Former President Trump says so he probably won’t run again in 2028 if he loses to Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election.
Trump brushed off the question about a potential fourth straight run for the White House in a friendly interview over the weekend with Sharyl Attkisson.
“No, I don’t. I think it will be, it will be. I don’t see it at all,” Trump said. “I think hopefully we’ll be successful.”
Trump is 78 years old and would turn 82 by election day 2028.
The remark was notable in that Trump rarely responds to it questions that take into account any setbacksmuch less a devastating potential defeat like a second straight White House loss.
Attkisson did not ask Trump if he plans to serve his full four-year term if he wins. She also did not ask if he would try to run for another term if he wins, presumably because the 22nd Amendment bars presidents from serving more than two terms.
It is unclear who would be favored to take over the mantle of the Republican Party in 2028 if Trump loses.
He chose vice-presidential candidate JD Vance partly because of his youth and potential to lead the far-right MAGA wing of the party into the future. But Vance has proven to be one unpopular choice so far.
Failed presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley may compete for contention alongside up-and-coming lawmakers such as Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri). Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) may seek a comeback after losing to Trump in 2016 and being passed as his No. 2 this year.
Trump’s age has become an issue in the clash against the much younger Harris, who took up the Democratic baton from President Biden, who is 81. stepped aside and approved of her in July.
Harris leads by about 3% in national polls, but the race is closer in the seven battleground states that will likely decide the winner of the White House.