
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump once again floated the idea of pursuing a third term in office—despite it being prohibited by the Constitution—during a highly politicized speech to American troops stationed in Qatar.
Addressing uniformed service members at the Al Udeid Air Base, Trump also repeated the false claim that he won the 2020 presidential election against Joe Biden.
“We won three elections, ok? And some people want us to do a fourth. I don’t know. We’ll have to think about that,” Trump said.
He pointed to the sales of products advertising a 2028 run, but also suggested that the effort was intended to annoy his rivals.
“The hottest hat is — it says Trump 2028. We’re driving the left crazy when you see that,” Trump said.
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution restricts presidents to two elected terms in office.
In an interview with NBC News earlier this month, Trump acknowledged that he cannot run for a third term and mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as possible successors.
Despite the military’s tradition of political neutrality, Trump’s address to the troops resembled a campaign rally in tone.
Speaking to the service members—some of whom were seen smiling—Trump ridiculed President Biden, claiming he wouldn’t have had the stamina for a covert visit to Baghdad like the one Trump made during his first term.
Throughout his trip, Trump repeatedly disparaged Biden in the presence of foreign dignitaries and business leaders, referring to him earlier on Thursday in Doha as a “stupid person.” He closed his speech to the troops with the Village People’s “YMCA,” a staple at his political rallies.