Steve Bannon Discusses Plans for Trump’s Potential Third Term in 2028, Expresses Support for Future Run

In a Tuesday interview with NewsNation host Chris Cuomo, Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, confirmed that MAGA operatives are already laying the groundwork to secure a third term for President Donald Trump in 2028. This marks the latest in a series of comments from Trump allies about the possibility of the president running again, even beyond the legal limits set by the U.S. Constitution.

Bannon, a key figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign and former host of the right-wing podcast War Room, expressed his unwavering support for the former president. “I’m a firm believer that President Trump will run again in 2028. I’ve already endorsed President Trump,” Bannon stated during the interview.

He added that figures like Trump are rare, highlighting his belief that the country is fortunate to have Trump at the helm now. “A man like this comes along once every century, if we’re lucky. We’ve got him now. He’s on fire and I’m a huge supporter. I want to see him again in 2028.”

Bannon’s statements came amid growing speculation about Trump's political future, especially regarding whether he could defy the Constitution's 22nd Amendment, which limits any U.S. president to two terms in office. While Trump has not formally announced a campaign for 2028, Bannon’s comments indicate that efforts are underway behind the scenes to find ways to overcome the term limit restrictions.

During a recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Bannon placed second in the straw poll for potential 2028 GOP nominees. Despite his strong support from the conference, he was handily defeated by JD Vance, who received 61% of the votes. Nonetheless, Bannon’s second-place finish demonstrates that he remains a significant figure in the GOP, at least among the more right-wing factions.

Bannon’s enthusiasm for a third Trump term was evident during his speech at CPAC, where he was heard chanting, “We want Trump in ‘28! We want Trump! We want Trump!” The call was met with applause and cheers from the crowd, solidifying his vocal support for Trump’s continued presence in American politics.

However, Bannon’s speech also attracted criticism, particularly for a gesture he made that some observers compared to a Nazi salute, further inflaming tensions within the political right.

When Cuomo asked Bannon whether he had any involvement in placing his own name on the CPAC straw poll list, Bannon was quick to deny any direct involvement. “I did not have anything to do with placing my name on the list,” Bannon said, quashing any speculation that he might be preparing to launch his own surprise presidential campaign in three years.

While Bannon has been a vocal advocate for Trump, his aspirations for his own political future remain uncertain, and the idea of a Bannon presidential run seems increasingly unlikely given the level of support Trump enjoys.

The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is clear in limiting a president to two terms, but Bannon hinted that Trump’s supporters are working on creative legal and political solutions to navigate around these restrictions. “We’re working on it,” Bannon said with a wry smile when asked about how Trump might circumvent the Constitution’s term limits.

He continued, “I think we’ll have a couple of alternatives, let’s say that… We’ll see what the definition of term limit is.”

Bannon’s coyness about the specifics of the strategy didn’t detract from his confidence in its success. “Chris, as you know, I’ve had greater long shots than this,” he said, referring to his earlier support for Trump following the 2020 election.

Despite widespread criticism and skepticism about the outcome of that election, Bannon and others in the MAGA movement continue to assert that it was “stolen” through fraudulent means. “We fervently believe that,” Bannon affirmed, emphasizing the continued strength of Trump’s base and his loyal following.

Cuomo, visibly taken aback by Bannon’s defiance, asked, “Who’s we?” Bannon responded curtly, “We’re huge believers in democracy because we know how to get votes out.”

His comments underscored his view that the MAGA movement remains as determined and powerful as ever, despite the challenges it faces from within the political system and from opponents who criticize its claims about election fraud.

In recent months, Bannon’s relationship with other high-profile figures in the Trump administration has become increasingly strained. Notably, tensions between Bannon and Elon Musk, a key Trump supporter and leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have been building.

In a February interview with UnHerd, Bannon harshly criticized Musk, branding him a “parasitic illegal immigrant” and accusing him of exploiting the country’s values and history for personal gain. “He wants to toy with freak experiments and play-act as God without any respect for the country’s history, values or traditions,” Bannon said, a remark that sparked widespread backlash from Musk’s supporters.

This conflict highlights the growing divide between Trump’s closest allies, with Musk’s influence in the administration and his public persona increasingly clashing with Bannon’s more populist, nationalist approach. While Musk has been instrumental in pushing forward Trump’s policies, particularly in terms of government efficiency, Bannon’s approach remains more traditional, often focused on appealing to the populist base that propelled Trump into office in 2016.

Despite these internal tensions, Bannon remains optimistic about Trump’s future and his ability to navigate the complex political landscape ahead. Whether Trump will attempt to secure a third term remains uncertain, and the challenges posed by the 22nd Amendment are significant.

However, with Bannon and other MAGA operatives pushing ahead, the possibility of a third Trump term—whether by circumventing legal barriers or through other means—is very much alive in the minds of many of the president’s supporters.

For now, the political world will be watching closely to see what steps Trump and his allies take next, especially as the 2024 election approaches. Whether or not Trump formally enters the race for a third term, his influence on the Republican Party and on American politics is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

With the backing of figures like Bannon, the Trump movement remains strong, and the possibility of future campaigns and political maneuvering is likely to remain a key point of debate for the years to come.