Donald Trump has revealed that “loopholes have been discussed” regarding a potential third term as his online store has started selling ‘Trump 2028’ hats.
The 78-year-old president stirred controversy again this week after his store launched a new “Trump 2028” campaign-style hat.
Despite the Constitution explicitly forbidding a third presidential term, Trump has continued to tease the media and the public about the idea.
“The future looks bright! Rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat. Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat,” the description for the $50 hat reads.
President Trump’s move to market 2028 merchandise comes as he doubles down on recent comments suggesting he might pursue a third term.
Speaking to TIME Magazine, he addressed previous remarks he made during an NBC News interview, where he hinted there were “methods” to bypass the Constitution’s two-term limit.
When asked by TIME: “You recently said you were ‘not joking’ about seeking a third term and that there were methods to do it. What methods?” Trump responded: “I’d rather not discuss that now, but as you know, there are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known.”
The POTUS did add, however: “But I don’t believe in loopholes. I don’t believe in using loopholes.”
He also sidestepped a follow-up question about one of the most widely speculated “loopholes,” involving Vice President J.D. Vance winning the 2028 election on a Vance-Trump ticket and then resigning. Instead, he shifted the conversation to boast about his cognitive abilities.
“I don’t know anything about, what, look, all I can say is this, I am being inundated with requests,” Trump said.
“I’m doing a good job,” he continued. “Great physical exam, and unlike every other president, I took the cognitive test and I aced it 100%, and I bet you guys couldn’t get 100% on that exam.”
“It’s a tough exam. You know, when you get into the mid questions, it gets to be pretty tricky and pretty tough, and the last questions are very tough, and I aced it. And I guarantee, I’d give you, I’d make a big, beautiful bet that you guys couldn’t ace it,” he added.
Pressed further about his previous stance, the two-time president was reminded by the publication of a quote he gave a year ago, saying: “I’m going to serve one term. I’m going to do a great job, and I’m going to leave.”
Asked what had changed, Trump replied: “Well, I’m serving two terms now.” When TIME attempted to clarify, he responded, “You mean one more,” and added: “I have more people begging me to run again, but I haven’t looked at even the possibility. But the only thing that’s changed is they think I’m doing a great job, and they like the way I’m running the country.”
Trump’s comments about a third term immediately drew reactions from political leaders.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson assured the public there was no serious move to amend the Constitution, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that Trump was likely “messing with” the media and opponents by floating the idea.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed that view, saying Trump’s comments were meant to “get people talking,” per The Independent.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also addressed the speculation, saying: “I wish we could have him for 20 years as our president, but I think he’s gonna be finished probably after this term.”
According to constitutional law, Trump’s hints run directly against the 22nd Amendment, which was ratified in 1951 after Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s four-term presidency.
The amendment limits any individual from being elected president more than twice. Though Trump spoke of “methods” and “loopholes,” any attempt to change the rule would require either a two-thirds vote in Congress or two-thirds of U.S. states agreeing to call a constitutional convention – both seen as highly unlikely.