Romney Speaks On 2028 Presidential Run

Former Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) is weighing in on one of the biggest debates in American politics today: whether the nation’s oldest leaders should continue serving in the highest offices.

Speaking during an interview released Wednesday by Deseret News, Romney argued that it may be time for younger Americans to take on more leadership roles in Washington.

His comments come as voters across the political spectrum continue discussing the age and health of many of America’s most prominent elected officials, including both President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.

Romney Questions Age of America’s Political Leadership

Romney said he believes there comes a point when advanced age can make it more difficult to handle the demands of leading the country.

“I basically think people who are 80 and above really should not be running the world or running the country,” Romney said during the interview.

The former Massachusetts governor pointed to research discussed in author Bill Bryson’s bestselling book The Body, saying the book explains that the human brain naturally changes with age.

According to Romney, Bryson notes that the average brain shrinks by roughly 20 percent by the age of 80, which Romney believes is one reason younger generations should gradually assume more leadership positions.

While Romney’s comments are certain to spark debate, they reflect concerns many Americans have expressed about the age of elected officials in both political parties.

Romney Jokes About Another White House Run

The discussion began on a lighter note when journalist McKay Coppins, host of the Deseret Views podcast, jokingly asked Romney whether he would ever consider another presidential campaign.

Romney laughed before offering a humorous response.

“I’d love to do it again,” he joked. “Maybe this time I’d get it right. Third time’s the charm.”

Romney unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 before becoming the GOP nominee in 2012, ultimately losing the general election to then-President Barack Obama.

Although he has retired from the Senate, Romney remains one of the Republican Party’s most recognizable figures and continues to comment on major national issues.

Age Became a Major Issue During the 2024 Election

Questions about the age of America’s leaders dominated much of the 2024 presidential campaign.

Former President Joe Biden faced intense scrutiny after a widely criticized debate performance raised fresh concerns about his ability to serve another four years. Those concerns ultimately led Biden to end his reelection campaign and endorse then-Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

President Donald Trump also faced repeated questions from political opponents and media organizations regarding his age and overall health during the campaign and throughout his second term.

Trump Continues to Reject Health Concerns

Despite ongoing media attention surrounding his health, President Trump has consistently maintained that he remains physically and mentally fit to serve.

Following his most recent medical examination in May, Trump said that “everything checked out PERFECTLY!”

The president has undergone several routine medical evaluations during his second term, including annual physical exams and cognitive testing conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

While critics continue raising questions, Trump has repeatedly pointed to those medical evaluations as evidence that he remains capable of carrying out the responsibilities of the presidency.

Debate Over America’s Future Leadership Continues

Romney’s remarks are likely to add fuel to an ongoing national conversation about experience, age, and the future of American leadership.

Supporters of older leaders often argue that decades of public service provide valuable experience and steady leadership during uncertain times. Others believe the country would benefit from younger elected officials who bring fresh ideas and a different perspective to government.

As discussions about the future of the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, and the 2028 election continue to grow, Romney’s comments ensure that the debate over age and political leadership is unlikely to fade anytime soon.