Trump says he'll 'probably not' run for third presidential term, but claims to have 'best poll numbers'

The 79-year-old had previously said that he was "not joking" about wanting to serve a third, or even fourth, term as US president. He, however, later said his statements were meant to troll the "fake news media".

The US Constitution limits presidents to two terms. Trump is currently serving his second, non-consecutive term, after first holding office from 2017 to 2021. To run again, he would need to change the Constitution -- a tough process that requires approval from two-thirds of Congress or a constitutional convention backed by two-thirds of state legislatures, and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Trump hasn’t endorsed a successor and even declined to back Vice President JD Vance in February. Vance has avoided questions about a 2028 run, saying it's up to Trump. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently backed Vance on Fox News, saying he’d support him in 2028 and encouraged him to run.

On Trump's claims of having the "best poll numbers", the fact is that approval rating has dropped to 40 percent, the lowest level of his second term in office, as Americans remain concerned about his handling of the economy and immigration.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll from July 15–16, Trump had a 41% approval rating, highlighting a deeply divided nation.

The survey showed 83% of Republicans supported him, compared to just 3% of Democrats. Around one-third of independents approved of his performance.

Trump, who campaigned on boosting the economy and tightening immigration, received mixed reviews on both issues, despite his administration’s aggressive approach.