President Donald Trump, who has frequently hinted at seeking a third term and even donned "2028" campaign caps, has recently begun discussing life after the presidency, should he leave office in January 2029. These remarks signal a notable shift for the former president, who has historically kept the possibility of extending his time in the White House open.
During recent speeches, Trump has described a future where he would be at home, watching his successor claim credit for his administration's accomplishments. "Your next president is going to say, ‘What a great job I did,’" Trump said at an event on Long Island, New York. "He’ll be sitting around, watching television. A real stiff. Unless you vote Republican, of course."
This shift in rhetoric comes as the midterm elections approach, a period where reminders of a president's waning power become more frequent. The Constitution's 22nd Amendment prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. However, Trump has previously suggested unconventional methods to circumvent this, including potentially serving as a running mate in 2028 and having his running mate step aside if elected.
The White House, however, dismissed suggestions that Trump's focus is shifting away from his current duties. Spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that Trump "is fighting every day" to fulfill his campaign promises on issues such as reducing violent crime, border security, and prescription drug prices. "The only legacy President Trump is concerned with is making America greater than ever before," Wales said.
Despite these assurances, Trump has continued to muse about his post-presidency. In Pennsylvania, he remarked, "Whoever the next president is, he's going to be talking about what a brilliant president he is. And I’ll be home. And I’ll be saying, ’That son of a gun,' because we did the job.” He has also expressed a potential for regret, saying in Georgia, “I may be crying,” at the prospect of Democrats potentially repealing Senate filibuster rules.
In Michigan, Trump injected ambiguity into his future plans, stating, "In two and a half years, you may have a different president — may." He elaborated, "I’ll be sitting home. I’ll be reading the papers. I’ll be watching television,” before criticizing his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Legal experts, like Michigan State University constitutional law professor Brian Kalt, have noted that Trump's varied statements allow him flexibility. "He is all over the place. And what that does is, it allows him to point to his own words to support any number of mutually exclusive things," Kalt said. Kalt, who has written about constitutional loopholes for presidents, added, "People do tend to find, in Trump’s words, whatever it is that they want to hear."
Discussions about legacy are common for second-term presidents. Former adviser to President Bill Clinton, Paul Begala, observed that presidents often contemplate their historical impact as they approach the end of their terms, a phase he referred to as "thinking about legacy."
Trump has also focused on tangible impacts during his time in office, overseeing renovations and additions to White House grounds and interiors. One notable project, a large ballroom, is expected to be completed in late 2028, shortly before the end of his potential term, a project Trump stated was "for future presidents."