Former President Donald Trump has stated that he does not plan to run for election again in 2028 if he loses in the upcoming November presidential race. Trump, 78, has been the Republican nominee in three consecutive elections and has had a significant impact on the party over the past eight years.
In an interview with Sinclair Media Group, Trump was asked if he could see himself running again in 2028 if he were defeated by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. “No, I don’t. I think… that will be it,” Trump responded. “I don’t see that at all.” He did, however, express optimism about his current campaign, adding, “Hopefully, we’re going to be very successful.”
While U.S. law prohibits presidents from serving more than two terms, Trump wouldn’t be eligible to run again in 2028 even if he wins this election.
Throughout his political career, Trump has rarely spoken about the possibility of defeat, instead focusing on rallying his supporters with promises of victory. However, this marks the second instance in just four days where he has acknowledged the potential for a loss.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Israeli-American Council last Thursday, Trump suggested that if he were to lose, Jewish voters could be partly to blame. “Do they know what the hell is happening if I don’t win this election?” he asked. “And the Jewish people would have to do a lot with that if that happens, because at 40% [support], that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy.”
His comments were condemned by both the Harris campaign and organizations such as the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League.
Trump’s recent statements about a possible loss come as Harris, the Democratic Party’s nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to run, appears to be gaining momentum. Her campaign raised over $190 million in August, surpassing the $130 million brought in by Trump’s campaign and its affiliates.
According to national polling averages, Harris leads Trump. A CBS poll released Sunday shows her ahead 52% to 48% nationally, with a tighter margin of 51% to 49% in key battleground states. An NBC poll released the same day gives Harris a five-point lead nationwide and notes that her favorability has risen significantly, with 48% of registered voters viewing her positively, up from 32% in July.
Despite these trends, Trump continues to hold an advantage with voters on key issues such as the economy, cost of living, and immigration. The Trump campaign has yet to comment on the recent polling data.