Trump Campaign Organization begins selling branded materials for Third-Term Bid tagged TRUMP 2028
The Trump Organization has started selling red caps branded “Trump 2028,” sparking conversation about whether Donald Trump is seriously eyeing a third term in office.
However, under the U.S. Constitution, a president is limited to two elected terms.
The $50 caps went on sale shortly after Trump remarked he was “not joking” about the idea of serving again after two terms.
Why Is Trump Talking About a Third Term?
In an interview with NBC, Trump hinted there could be “methods” to serve beyond the constitutional limits.
“I’m not joking… a lot of people want me to do it,” he said. Still early into his second term, Trump, who would be 82 by 2029, emphasized that he enjoys working.
These are not Trump’s first comments on the topic.
Earlier this year, he told supporters it would be “the greatest honour of my life to serve not once, but twice or three times or four times,” later clarifying he was joking about the media’s reaction.
In April, his campaign store began selling “Trump 2028” hats, modeled by his son Eric Trump, alongside the slogan: “The future looks bright!”
What Does the U.S. Constitution Say?
The 22nd Amendment clearly states:
“No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice…”
Changing this amendment would require overwhelming majorities in Congress and approval from three-quarters of U.S. states, a difficult task given the current political divisions.
Republicans control Congress but lack the supermajority needed, while Democrats control 18 state legislatures.
How Could Trump Seek a Third Term?
Some Trump supporters believe a loophole exists: while the amendment forbids being elected more than twice, it does not explicitly block a former president from succeeding into office.
Under this theory, Trump could run as a vice-presidential candidate — possibly alongside his current Vice President JD Vance — win the election, and then ascend to the presidency through resignation.
Steve Bannon, former Trump strategist, suggested there are “alternatives” to achieve this. Trump himself admitted to Time Magazine that loopholes have been discussed, but added, “I don’t believe in loopholes.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a bill proposing that presidents could serve three non-consecutive terms.
However, the chances of such a constitutional change are considered extremely slim.
Who Opposes the Idea?
Democrats are strongly against any move to extend Trump’s time in office. Representative Daniel Goldman called it “an escalation” toward dismantling democracy, urging Republicans to publicly oppose the idea.
Even some Republicans are skeptical. Senator Markwayne Mullin and Congressman Tom Cole have dismissed the notion, with Cole calling it “too fanciful” to take seriously.
What Do Legal Experts Say?
Most constitutional scholars agree a third term is legally impossible. Derek Muller of Notre Dame points out that the 12th Amendment blocks anyone ineligible for the presidency from serving as vice president, closing the so-called “succession loophole.”
