The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution clearly states that no individual can be elected to the presidency more than twice. This rule applies equally to Donald Trump—even if his two terms are nonconsecutive.
Nonetheless, some of Trump’s closest allies, and even Trump himself, have repeatedly hinted at the possibility of him serving a third term, despite the constitutional limits. According to a report from POLITICO, there are a few speculative paths that Trump and his supporters have considered for circumventing the amendment. These include the unlikely and politically difficult option of repealing the 22nd Amendment altogether, or an alternative route where Trump could run as a vice presidential candidate and later assume the presidency through succession.
Trump has not outright dismissed the idea of a third term. In an interview with NBC back in March, he vaguely alluded to the possibility by stating there are “methods” available that could potentially allow him to return to office if he chose to pursue them.
At the time, White House communications director Steven Cheung commented on the issue, suggesting the conversation was premature. “Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies,” Cheung said in a statement. “As the president said, it’s far too early to think about it and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.”
Despite that downplaying, Trump’s 2028 campaign-style merchandise has already hit the market. His official online store is selling gear with slogans and logos for a hypothetical third run.
One product listing touts a “Trump 2028 high crown hat,” accompanied by the tagline: “The future looks bright! Rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat.”
While legal scholars generally agree that the Constitution bars any person from being elected president more than twice, Trump’s refusal to close the door on the idea—and his supporters’ enthusiasm for the possibility—continues to fuel speculation that he might attempt to test the limits of the law, or at the very least, keep the idea alive in the public conversation.