Donald Trump is back in the spotlight—and not in the way you might expect. Despite all the whispers and rumors swirling around the possibility of a third term, the former president is now saying it’s not something he’s pursuing. Or, at least, that’s what he wants us to think.
In a recent interview with The Atlantic to mark his first 100 days back in office, Trump was asked about the growing speculation that he’d directed the Justice Department to explore whether he could legally run for president again in 2028. The catch? He’d be 82 years old by then. His response? A flat-out denial. But, as usual, it wasn’t as simple as it seemed. Trump hinted at the idea being "shattering" but said, “Maybe I’m just trying to shatter” — leaving everyone wondering if he’s toying with us or if he really has something more sinister in mind.
His loyal supporters have been clamoring for him to run again, but he insists that it’s not in the cards. “It’s not something I’m looking to do,” Trump said. “I think it would be a very hard thing to do.” Yet, the man who has always thrived on the art of the deal isn’t above profiting from the idea. Just this month, he launched a new line of “TRUMP 2028” merch, sending a not-so-subtle message that the third-term talk isn’t totally off the table. Baseball caps and T-shirts adorned with “TRUMP 2028” and the slogan “Rewrite the Rules” echo the old "Make America Great Again" mantra, but with an unsettling twist. Could this be more than just merchandise? Could he be laying the groundwork for something bigger?
If you thought Trump was just joking, think again. Last month, he made it clear he wasn’t kidding about possibly seeking a third term. He even claimed there are “methods” to get around the constitutional two-term limit. The idea of him breaking the rules and reworking the system to stay in power sent shockwaves through the country, sparking fears that he might try to dismantle the very foundation of American democracy. While some prominent Republicans quickly dismissed it as a joke, others are starting to wonder just how serious he really is.
In fact, earlier this year, Republican Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow presidents to serve three non-consecutive terms. While the amendment has gained little traction so far, it’s clear that the seeds of this idea are being planted.
So, what’s the truth? Is Trump really done, or is this just part of a larger game? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the road to 2028 is about to get a lot more interesting.
