White House Spokesperson: "Great hat, it'll probably be a huge hit"
Red T-shirt features the phrase "Rewrite the Rules"
The Trump Organization, the business entity of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his family, is selling hats and T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase "Trump 2028," reigniting controversy over whether Trump is preparing to run for a third term, which is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.
On April 24 (local time), CNBC reported that the Trump Organization is selling red hats online with "Trump 2028" printed on them for $50, and red T-shirts with the phrase "Rewrite the Rules" for $36.
In response, the White House declined to comment and directed inquiries to the Trump Organization, which also did not issue a statement. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with NBC, "It's a great hat. It'll probably be a huge hit."
Donald Trump has made several references to the possibility of running for a third term. In an interview with NBC last month, when asked about a potential 2028 run, Trump said, "A lot of people want it, and I love working. I'm not joking," refusing to deny the possibility. He added, "It's too early to think about it," but also said, "There are ways."
Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, also appeared on a TV program on April 11 and said, "President Trump will seek a third term and will be re-elected," adding, "He will still be President of the United States on January 20, 2029, in the afternoon." He further stated, "A team has already been assembled to make a third term for President Trump possible."
Previously, Republican Representative Andy Ogles introduced a constitutional amendment resolution earlier this year to allow President Trump to run for a third term. The resolution states, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, and after being elected twice consecutively, shall not be eligible for an additional term." The resolution would allow Trump to run for a third term, but would not permit former presidents who have already served two consecutive terms, such as Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, to run again.
However, the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly states, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." Trump has already been elected twice, in 2016 and 2024.
Recently, President Trump's job approval rating has hit a record low. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll of 4,306 American adults released on April 21, positive approval of Trump's job performance stood at 42%, the lowest since he took office. In addition, three out of four respondents said Trump should not attempt a third term.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
