A new national poll is raising eyebrows across the political world, showing a surprising shift among voters who supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
According to the latest Economist/YouGov poll, a larger share of Trump supporters now say they do not want him to pursue a third term, even though the Constitution already limits presidents to two.
A Surprising Shift Inside Trump’s Own Base
The poll found that 45% of Trump voters do not want him to serve again after his second term, while 43% say they would support another run. Another 11% are undecided, suggesting real uncertainty among Republicans as the nation heads into another heated election cycle.
These numbers were released shortly after President Trump addressed guests at a White House Christmas event, calling it an “honor” to serve and noting he still has “more than three years left” in office. Trump joked that “three years for Trump is an eternity,” drawing laughs from the audience.
The Constitutional Question Republicans Keep Debating
Under the 22nd Amendment, no president can legally serve more than two terms. Still, several conservative commentators — including former Trump adviser Steve Bannon — have openly floated the idea of Trump returning again in 2028.
The suggestion has fueled debate on the right. Some conservatives view it as symbolic support for Trump’s agenda, while others say the movement must eventually elevate a new generation of leaders.
Analysts Claim the MAGA Movement Is ‘Shifting’ — But Is It?
Political analyst Thomas Whalen told Newsweek that the Trump base may be experiencing “political fatigue.” He claimed the movement has “lost urgency,” though many conservatives strongly disagree with that assessment.
Despite the media’s attempts to portray Trump’s support as slipping, millions of Americans still credit him with reviving the economy, strengthening the border, and restoring American strength abroad.
National Approval Ratings Remain Divided
The broader poll of 1,628 U.S. adults shows Trump with a 39% approval rating and 58% disapproval, numbers Democrats are quick to highlight. But competing surveys tell a more positive story for Trump:
- A recent I&I/TIPP poll shows Trump’s net approval improving dramatically, now at -3, with 44% approving and 47% disapproving.
- Last month, he stood at 41% approval, meaning his numbers have continued trending upward.
- Critics note that polls such as the Bullfinch Group survey — which claim Americans prefer Democrats — heavily oversample liberal-leaning demographic groups.
In short, the national picture is far from settled.
Trump: “A Lot of People Want Me to Do It”
In a March interview with NBC News, President Trump acknowledged that many of his supporters have encouraged him to serve beyond two terms. But he emphasized that he is focused on governing and delivering results.
“We have a long way to go,” Trump said. “It’s very early in the administration.”
Meanwhile, Steve Bannon stirred headlines again this fall when he predicted Trump would be president in 2028, saying Americans should “get accommodated to that.” His comments sparked another round of media speculation and political debate.
Trump Says He Won’t Run Again — But Points to the Future
During a Cabinet meeting this week, Trump seemed to dismiss the idea of a third run entirely. He criticized Democrats for “bad policy” and said he wanted Republicans to run against those failures — adding, “It’s not going to be me.”
Trump has previously named two potential successors who could continue the America First agenda:
- Vice President JD Vance
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Both men remain popular within conservative circles and are widely viewed as likely contenders once Trump completes his second term.