The Trump Organization has officially launched its "Trump 2028" merchandise line, featuring bright red hats priced at $50, signaling President Donald Trump's ongoing interest in a potential third term in office. Eric Trump, one of the president's sons, was seen sporting the new hat, which has been described as a form of "master trolling" by its supporters.
Despite the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice," Trump has made headlines with his repeated hints at a third presidential bid. In a late March 2025 interview with NBC, he stated, "I'm not joking" about the possibility, even suggesting that there are "methods" to achieve this goal, although he did not elaborate on what those methods might be.
The hats, reminiscent of the iconic "Make America Great Again" caps, are being marketed with a description that reads, "Make a statement with this Made in America Trump 2028 hat." This rollout coincides with a broader political narrative, as Trump has previously claimed during rallies that he could win another term, stating he'd negotiate for "four more years" and hinting at a desire to return to the Oval Office.
Political analysts have pointed out that the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was specifically designed to prevent any individual from serving more than two terms, a rule established after Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four-term presidency. However, some Trump supporters argue that the amendment only applies to consecutive terms, suggesting that Trump could run as vice president and then ascend to the presidency if the elected president were to resign.
Legal experts have weighed in on this debate, with some, like Laurence Tribe, suggesting that this interpretation of the amendment could potentially allow for a loophole. However, others, including NYU law professor Noah Rosenblum, emphasize that the intent of the amendment is clear in its prohibition of more than eight years in office.
Despite the fervor surrounding the merchandise and the speculation about a third term, polling data indicates that a majority of Republican voters do not support Trump's potential candidacy. An April Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 53 percent of Republicans surveyed believe he should not seek a third term, with nearly two-thirds of all respondents agreeing that the 78-year-old Trump should not run again in 2028.
In addition to the hats, the Trump Organization has also introduced a "Trump 2028" T-shirt, which retails for $36 and features the slogan "Rewrite the rules," a direct nod to the ongoing conversation about amending the two-term limit. This merchandise launch reflects Trump's enduring influence within the Republican Party and the ongoing discussions about the future of his political career.
While many Republicans have dismissed Trump's third-term aspirations as mere jokes, the president's consistent messaging and the new merchandise indicate a serious undercurrent of ambition. During a recent event with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Trump reiterated his popularity, stating, "We’re very popular. And you know, a lot of people would like me to do that." He added, "But, I mean, I basically tell them, we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration."
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Trump's statements and the reactions from both supporters and opponents will likely shape the narrative leading into the next election cycle. The complexities surrounding the 22nd Amendment and the potential for constitutional amendments add another layer to the discussion, as any effort to change the rules would require significant political maneuvering.
In the meantime, the sale of "Trump 2028" merchandise is a clear indication that Trump's brand remains strong among his base, despite the controversies and challenges that have marked his presidency. As the 2028 election approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these dynamics unfold and what role Trump will play in shaping the future of American politics.
