The Trump Organization’s online store launched a new line of merchandise on Thursday, featuring red hats and t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Trump 2028.” This development has ignited speculation surrounding former President Donald Trump’s potential bid for a third term, despite the constitutional limitations that currently exist.
When asked for comment regarding the new apparel, the White House directed inquiries to the Trump Organization.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the item on NBC News, stating, “But it’s a cool hat and I suspect it will be highly popular!” The “Trump 2028” hat retails for $50, while a red t-shirt featuring the same slogan and the tagline “Rewrite the Rules” is priced at $36.
Trump has persistently hinted at the possibility of running for a third term, a move that would necessitate an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice. Trump served as president from 2016 until he left office in January 2021.
In late March, Trump left the door open regarding his potential reelection in 2028, telling NBC News, “A lot of people want me to do it. But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration.”
When further pressed by NBC about his interest in a third term, Trump remarked, “I like working.” He added, “I’m not joking. But I’m not — it is far too early to think about it.” He also alluded to potential avenues that could be explored to facilitate such a move.
In a private meeting after his electoral win over former Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump reportedly told Republican leaders, “I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.'”
During a speech at the National Rifle Association’s convention last May, he raised questions about the implications of winning a third term, asking, “Are we going to be considered three-term or two-term? Are we three-term or two-term if we win?”
Former White House advisor Steve Bannon confidently asserted last week on “Real Time with Bill Maher” that Trump is gearing up for a third presidential run and expects him to be reelected. “On the afternoon of Jan. 20th of 2029, he’s going to be President of the United States,” Bannon predicted, adding that a dedicated team is already in place to facilitate a potential third term for Trump.
In early January, Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, introduced a resolution in the House aimed at amending the Constitution to allow Trump—and any future president—to seek a third term. Notably, his proposal is structured to permit only Trump to gain this eligibility while excluding the three living former presidents from doing so.
The proposed amendment states, “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms.” Unlike Trump, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama completed two consecutive terms, while President Joe Biden is currently serving his first.
