In a move that has reignited speculation about his political future, the Trump Organization has launched a new line of merchandise featuring the slogan "Trump 2028." On April 24, 2025, the official Trump Store began selling red hats emblazoned with the phrase for $50, alongside T-shirts priced at $36 that bear the additional message "Rewrite the Rules." This merchandise release comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s recent comments about potentially seeking a third term in office, despite the constitutional limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment.
During a March 2025 phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated he was "not joking" about the idea of running again, while also suggesting, "There are methods which you could do it." This ambiguous remark has stirred considerable debate regarding how he might circumvent the constitutional barrier that prohibits any person from serving as president for more than two terms. Legal experts, however, have been quick to remind the public that the 22nd Amendment is a significant legal hurdle. David Schultz, a professor at Hamline University, emphasized, "Trump may not want to rule out a third term, but the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution does."">
While the notion of Trump pursuing a third term seems far-fetched to many, it has not stopped prominent supporters from advocating for the idea. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon recently declared his belief that Trump will run and win the presidency again in 2028. Bannon stated, "On the afternoon of January 20, 2029, he's going to be President of the United States," asserting that a team is already working on strategies to enable this possibility.
The political landscape surrounding Trump's potential candidacy is complex. While some Republican leaders have dismissed the idea as unrealistic, others have shown a willingness to explore changes to the Constitution. For instance, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced a measure in January 2025 that seeks to amend the term limits to allow Trump to run again, although such efforts face significant political and logistical challenges.
Despite the constitutional constraints, the newly launched merchandise has been met with enthusiasm from Trump's base. The Trump War Room account on social media promoted the hat, showcasing Eric Trump wearing it and encouraging supporters to "make a statement" with their purchases. This aligns with a long-standing trend of branding and merchandise that has characterized Trump's political operations, from hats to T-shirts that resonate with his supporters.
In a recent statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred inquiries about the merchandise back to the Trump Organization, noting, "It’s a cool hat and I suspect it will be highly popular!" This comment underscores the ongoing connection between Trump's brand and his political ambitions.
Historically, the precedent for limiting presidential terms was established after Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms during a time of national crisis. The 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951, explicitly stating that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. This amendment arose from concerns about the concentration of power and the potential for a single individual to dominate the office indefinitely.
While Trump has hinted at a desire to challenge this norm, he has also expressed ambivalence about running again. In an April 2024 interview with Time magazine, he indicated he would not favor another run, stating, "I wouldn’t be in favor of it at all. I intend to serve four years and do a great job." However, the release of the "Trump 2028" merchandise suggests that he may be keeping his options open.
The political implications of Trump's potential candidacy extend beyond his personal ambitions. They reflect a broader struggle within the Republican Party regarding its direction and the influence of Trump's brand. Some Republican leaders have downplayed the significance of Trump's comments, suggesting they are more about maintaining visibility and relevance than actual plans for a third term. House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) characterized the idea as "too fanciful to really discuss seriously."
Nonetheless, Trump's supporters remain fervent. The new merchandise serves as a rallying point for those who believe in his vision for the future. The hats and shirts not only symbolize a potential campaign but also reinforce the loyalty of his base, who continue to rally around the Trump brand.
As the 2028 election cycle approaches, the conversation surrounding Trump's potential candidacy will likely intensify. Whether or not he will actively pursue a third term remains uncertain, but the launch of the "Trump 2028" merchandise indicates that he is not ready to close the door on the possibility. The intersection of branding, political ambition, and constitutional limitations creates a fascinating narrative as the nation looks toward the future.
In summary, the Trump Organization's sale of "Trump 2028" hats and T-shirts has sparked renewed interest in the former president's political aspirations. While the 22nd Amendment poses a significant barrier, Trump's comments and the enthusiastic response from his supporters suggest that the conversation around a potential third term will continue to evolve.
