Here’s what Romney had to say about 2028.
Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is once again making headlines after weighing in on the future of American leadership—and his comments are already drawing attention because of what they could mean for President Donald Trump and the ongoing debate over age in politics.
During an interview on the Deseret Voices podcast with host McKay Coppins, Romney was asked jokingly whether he planned to make another run for the White House in 2028.
The former Massachusetts governor laughed before offering a lighthearted response.
“I would love to,” Romney said. “Maybe I’d get it right this time. Third time’s the charm.”
While the exchange began as a joke, the conversation soon shifted to a serious topic that continues to generate discussion among Republican and Democratic voters alike: whether age should be a deciding factor for America’s highest office.
Coppins remarked that “80 isn’t what it used to be,” prompting Romney to explain why he believes the country should look to younger leaders.
Referencing Bill Bryson’s bestselling book The Body, Romney noted that the human brain naturally changes with age. Based on that, he argued that Americans over the age of 80 generally should not be serving as president or leading the nation.
“I basically think people who are 80 and above really should not be running the world or running the country,” Romney said.
Although Romney did not specifically mention President Donald Trump while making the remark, the timing is notable. Trump recently celebrated his 80th birthday and is serving his second term in the White House. If he completes his current term, he would leave office at age 84, becoming the oldest president in American history.
Former President Joe Biden previously held that distinction after leaving office at age 82, making age and fitness for office an issue that has now affected leaders from both major political parties.
Romney’s latest comments also continue a long-running political rivalry with Trump. The two Republicans have frequently clashed over the direction of the GOP, with Romney emerging as one of Trump’s most vocal Republican critics over the past several years.
Romney first sought the Republican presidential nomination during the 2008 election cycle before suspending his campaign. Four years later, he secured the GOP nomination and faced incumbent President Barack Obama in the 2012 general election, ultimately falling short.
Despite Coppins’ playful question about another presidential campaign, Romney made it clear he has no intention of returning to the campaign trail. Instead, his comments focused on what he believes should be the future of American leadership.
As speculation slowly begins to build around the 2028 presidential election, discussions about age, experience, and leadership are likely to remain front and center. While critics argue that advanced age can affect a president’s ability to serve, many supporters continue to place greater importance on a candidate’s record, accomplishments, and policy agenda than on their age alone.
Whether Romney’s remarks resonate with voters remains to be seen, but they have once again highlighted one of the biggest debates shaping the future of American politics.