Trump Says It Is Too Early to Discuss Successor
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
US President Donald Trump said at the White House that it was too early to talk about potential successors after reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was considering a 2028 presidential run. Trump praised Hegseth’s performance and said the immediate priority was to win the midterm elections, while adding that many possible contenders may not yet be known to the media. Hegseth has denied any intention to run, calling the reports “100% false” in a social media post. The discussion comes as Trump, despite earlier hints about seeking a third term, has recently spoken more about what life could look like after his term ends in January 2029.
Key Points
- Trump said at the White House that discussing a possible successor now is premature and that the focus should first be on winning the midterm elections.
- He said Hegseth was doing an excellent job and added that the defense secretary’s current concern was taking care of the military.
- Hegseth earlier posted on social media denying any presidential ambition, saying reports about a 2028 run were “100% false.”
- Trump is serving his second presidential term, and the US Constitution says no person may be elected president more than twice.
- In recent campaign speeches, Trump has described himself staying at home after leaving office in January 2029 and watching a successor claim credit for achievements.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers tracking US policy, the exchange offers an early glimpse of how the post-Trump Republican field may be framed even before formal succession politics begin. Trump’s mixed messaging about leaving office and his refusal to name a preferred heir could prolong uncertainty over the future direction of US foreign and security policy.