Trump Dismisses Third Term Scenario via 'Vance Plan' and Urges Putin to End War

In a new and distinct hint, US President Donald Trump appeared to dismiss the idea of seeking a third presidential term through an indirect scenario known as the "Vance Plan."

Dismissal of the 'Vance Plan' for a Third Term

The "Vance Plan" centered on his Vice President, J.D. Vance, running for President in 2028, and then potentially resigning in favor of Trump if he won—a scenario Trump had previously acknowledged as one way for him to return to the presidency.

However, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Malaysia to Japan on Monday, Trump dismissed the scenario, stating: "I think people wouldn’t like that. It’s a very cute thing. It’s not, and it wouldn’t be appropriate."

Instead, Trump hinted at supporting another ticket for 2028, describing it as "almost unbeatable," suggesting his current Vice President and Marco Rubio would be a great pair. He continued: "I’m not sure if anyone would run against them. So I think if they acted as a group, they’d be hard to stop."

Message to Putin on the Ukraine War

Separately, Trump directed a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the war in Ukraine instead of testing missiles.

• Missile Test: Trump's comments came in response to Putin's announcement Sunday that Russia had successfully tested the nuclear-capable Burevestnik cruise missile, which Moscow claims is able to penetrate any defensive shield.

• Trump's Response: In response, Trump asserted that the US does not need to fly far because it has the "greatest in the world" nuclear submarine off Russia's coast.

• Demand to End War: Addressing Putin directly, Trump said: "You should end the war, a war that should have taken one week and is now in its… fourth year, that’s what you should be doing instead of testing missiles."

Trump described achieving peace in Ukraine as harder than reaching a ceasefire in Gaza or ending the conflict between India and Pakistan. When asked about considering additional sanctions on Russia, Trump replied succinctly: "You’ll find out."