Congressional Republicans are brushing off President Trump’s latest comments about seeking a third term, downplaying them as a joke designed to needle the media even as the president insists he is serious.

Trump has teased the idea of a 2028 bid for years, remarks that were largely seen as an effort to mock his opponents. But his comments over the weekend to NBC, which were some of his most expansive yet on the topic, created new questions about his intentions despite the Constitution’s clear language barring any such push.

Still, Republicans in Congress largely believe his remarks were just another barb aimed at the left.

“We’ve got this little problem that’s probably going to prevent that from happening. It’s called the Constitution,” Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said. “I think it’s more tongue-in-cheek than anything else.”

Others agreed.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said that Trump has a “great sense of humor.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he believes Trump is giving his opponents and the media a hard time.

“You guys keep asking the question and I think he’s probably having some fun with it,” Thune told reporters on Monday. “[He’s] probably messing with you.”

Trump on Sunday told NBC News there are potential workarounds to allow him to serve a third term.

© The Hill