With the 2024 presidential race already heating up, speculation is rampant about the future of former President Donald Trump. After his previous run in 2020 and his current bid for 2024, many are asking: Can Trump legally run for president again in 2028 if he doesn't succeed in this election? The answer, surprising to some, is yes.
Why Trump Can Run Again
According to the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a president cannot serve more than two terms. However, these terms do not have to be consecutive. The amendment, ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms, stipulates: "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." This means that while Trump has already served one term (2017–2021), he is eligible to run again in the future, including in 2028, if he chooses.
Despite any challenges or controversies surrounding his past presidency, there are no constitutional provisions barring him from making another bid for the White House.
The "Grover Cleveland Precedent"
If Donald Trump were to run and win in 2028, he wouldn't be the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, holds that distinction. He served from 1885 to 1889, lost re-election to Benjamin Harrison, and then came back to win again in 1892, serving a second term from 1893 to 1897. Cleveland's successful comeback is often cited as a historical precedent that Trump could follow.
While Trump has hinted at long-term political ambitions, including possibly extending his influence beyond the 2024 race, some legal experts believe a 2028 run could depend on several factors, including his health, political relevance, and public support.
Trump’s Legal Battles: A Potential Obstacle?
While Trump is constitutionally allowed to run again, legal challenges could complicate his future candidacies. He currently faces several legal issues, including criminal investigations related to his business dealings and actions while in office. Some have speculated that if convicted of certain crimes, Trump could be disqualified from holding federal office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals involved in insurrection or rebellion from holding office.
However, this legal route is untested in modern politics, and it is unclear whether any of Trump’s legal woes would successfully prevent him from running again.
Political Landscape in 2028
Even if Trump is legally eligible, the political landscape in 2028 could be vastly different from today. His influence within the Republican Party might wane, and new leaders could emerge, leaving his potential candidacy in question. Nonetheless, Trump’s fervent base of supporters and his willingness to defy political norms make a 2028 bid something not to be entirely ruled out.