In classic Trump fashion — part tease, part headline grab — the former and current U.S. President finally put a pin in the swirling speculation about a possible third term.
Speaking to NBC News in a weekend interview, Donald Trump firmly stated he has no intention of running again in 2028, even as ‘TRUMP 2028’ hats and shirts fly off his official campaign store shelves.
And while some see the merch as a wink and nod to long-term ambitions, Trump insists it’s not his doing.
“There are many people selling the 2028 hat, but this is not something I’m looking to do,” he said, brushing off the buzz. “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody. Ideally, a great Republican.”
It’s a notable walk-back, considering past musings that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. With some Republicans nervously laughing off his earlier third-term remarks as jokes and critics sounding the alarm, Trump’s latest comments seem aimed at cooling the chatter without completely silencing it.
Still, in typical Trump style, he left just enough ambiguity to keep the conversation going.
“So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that,” he told NBC. “But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do.”
That “to the best of my knowledge” part? Classic Trump. Just vague enough to make constitutional scholars roll their eyes — or reach for their coffee.
Despite the constitutional two-term limit etched in the 22nd Amendment, Trump seemed to flirt with the idea that rules are, well, bendable — even as he insists he’s not pursuing another term.
Instead, the 45th (and now again 47th?) president seems to be thinking about legacy — and succession.
“I think we have tremendous people,” he said. “You look at Marco [Rubio]. You look at J.D. Vance, who’s fantastic. I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now just sitting here.”
Whether that’s laying the groundwork for a hand-picked successor or simply hedging his bets remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: Trump’s not disappearing quietly.
So, while “Trump 2028” may just be a slogan on a cap, in Trumpworld, you never really know what’s next — and that may be exactly how he likes it.
