Donald Trump, never one to shy away from controversy or spectacle, has once again ignited a firestorm across social media and the political landscape by posting a video that hints at his desire for a presidency with no end in sight. The video, which appeared on Truth Social on October 19, 2025, and quickly spread to other platforms, features an edited version of a 2018 TIME magazine cover, but with a surreal twist: Trump is depicted as presiding over a timeline that rockets into the year 90,000, with bold proclamations of "EEEEEE" and "4EVA." The soundtrack? None other than the ominous strains of Edvard Grieg’s "In the Hall of the Mountain King," adding a dramatic flair that left viewers either amused, alarmed, or both.
This latest post is just the most recent—and most audacious—of Trump’s ongoing campaign to troll his critics and stoke the fervor of his supporters. Earlier the same day, the 79-year-old president shared an AI-generated video that depicted him as "KING TRUMP," flying a fighter jet, wearing a crown, and dumping a brown, feces-like substance over scenes representing "No Kings" protesters. These protesters, a nationwide movement, had staged rallies over the weekend to rebuke what they describe as authoritarian tendencies in the White House. The AI jet clip, shared without explanation, provoked outrage from Democratic lawmakers and civil-rights groups. Yet, among Trump’s loyal base, the reaction was predictably enthusiastic—one supporter on X (formerly Twitter) declared, "We need to clone him!" while another mused, "They’re terrified because they’re afraid Elon Musk and Robert F Kennedy Junior are gonna create a way to keep Trump alive forever."
The video in question zooms in on yard signs emblazoned with future campaign slogans: "Trump 2028," "Trump 2032," "Trump 2036," and so on, culminating in "Trump 2048" before the years begin to tick upward at a dizzying pace, eventually arriving at the fantastical "Trump 90,000." The final message: "Trump 4EVA." The imagery and soundtrack combine to create a scene that’s equal parts satire and cult-of-personality spectacle—a style that’s become something of a Trump trademark. According to The Economic Times, the doctored TIME cover and extended timeline have appeared in pro-Trump online trolling before, but this is the first time they’ve been reissued on the president’s official channel.
But what’s the real message behind the spectacle? Trump’s critics see these posts as more than mere trolling. They argue that the president’s repeated hints at a third term—or even a never-ending presidency—represent a genuine threat to the constitutional order. The United States Constitution’s 22nd Amendment clearly limits a president to two terms in office, a safeguard put in place after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms. As Newsweek and The Independent both point out, the practical and legal obstacles to a third term are immense. Any attempt to abolish term limits would require a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of all state legislatures—a political mountain that even Trump’s most ardent supporters acknowledge would be difficult to climb.
Yet, Trump has not been shy about fanning the flames. He has repeatedly teased the idea of running again in 2028, despite the constitutional prohibition. His official merchandise store now sells "Trump 2028" hats, with the product description urging buyers to "rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat." According to The Mirror, the hats go for $50 apiece and have become a staple at Trump rallies and events. During a recent Oval Office meeting with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, "Trump 2028" hats were even displayed on the Resolute Desk in what many saw as a deliberate provocation.
Trump’s own words only add fuel to the speculation. Speaking with NBC about the possibility of a third term earlier this year, he remarked, "There are methods which you could do it. I’m not joking... a lot of people want me to do it. But, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration." The ambiguity and bravado are classic Trump—never quite confirming, never quite denying, always keeping the conversation alive.
Reactions to Trump’s posts have been sharply divided along partisan lines. On social media, critics have sounded the alarm, with one user writing, "Every post is a reminder of why the nuclear codes should stay far, far away from his thumbs." Another lamented, "He’s the leader of the free world and he spends more time playing on social media than he does in doing his job…not to mention that what he’s posting is abominable and an embarrassment to the country." Others questioned his health and coherence, while some speculated darkly about the prospect of immortality or cloning to secure Trump’s legacy.
On the other side, Trump’s supporters have reveled in the spectacle, with calls for cloning the president or having his children—Eric, Don Jr., Ivanka, and Barron—carry on the Trump presidency. As one enthusiastic fan put it, "I’m good with that," while another declared, "The future looks bright!" The notion of a Trump dynasty, whether literal or figurative, is a recurring theme among his base.
Amid the uproar, constitutional scholars and political analysts have sought to inject a dose of reality. As The Economic Times and The Independent both note, the 22nd Amendment’s restrictions are clear and formidable. Even so, the mere act of normalizing talk of a third term—by selling hats, posting videos, and hinting at "methods" to stay in power—has alarmed many observers. California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking to Stephen Colbert, warned, "I fear that we will not have an election in 2028—I really mean that in the core of my soul—unless we wake up to the code red of what’s happening in this country and we wake up soberly to how serious this moment is."
Trump biographer Michael Wolff, speaking on the "Inside Trump’s Head" podcast, offered a sobering assessment: "The problem with this is that an authoritarian breaks so many rules and makes so many enemies that in order to avoid retribution, he has to stay in power. That is the nature of the game that is being played." Wolff’s remarks underscore the stakes of the current debate—whether Trump’s posts are mere trolling or something more serious, the effect is to keep the question of presidential term limits, and the future of American democracy, front and center in the national conversation.
As the spectacle unfolds, one thing is certain: Trump’s ability to command attention, provoke outrage, and energize his supporters remains undiminished. Whether his latest posts are viewed as a joke, a threat, or a warning, they have succeeded in keeping the country talking—and watching—every move he makes.
