 "US President Donald Trump participates in a video call with military service members from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 27, 2025, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Image- AFP file")
US President Donald Trump has once again fuelled speculation about a 2028 presidential bid after posting an AI-generated image of himself with the caption “Trump 2028” on Truth Social on November 28, 2025. The post instantly revived excitement among “Trumplicans!” and injected fresh intrigue into the next election cycle.
It comes just days after Trump suggested he could back Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the upcoming race, even as new polling shows Donald Trump Jr. narrowing the gap with Vance.
According to The Independent, Trump Jr. is now only 10 points behind the vice president, down from Vance’s 20-point lead earlier this summer.
‘Too early to choose a successor’, says Trump
In August, Trump had said, “I think most likely — in all fairness, he’s the vice president… I think Marco is also somebody who maybe would get together with JD in some form.” He nevertheless maintained that it was too early to settle on a successor. In another interview, he remarked that he would “probably not” seek a third term, but added, “I’d like to run… I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”
Debate over the 22nd Amendment resurfaces
Critics were quick to highlight the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms. It states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice…”
Trump, however, has repeatedly hinted at “methods” to look beyond the restriction — a notion embraced by some supporters who argue the amendment only prevents being elected again, not returning through succession.
The fresh “Trump 2028” post has reignited this constitutional debate, prompting questions about whether Trump is signalling long-term political intent.
‘America First 2.0’ and the politics of symbolism
The post comes ten months into Trump’s second non-consecutive term, which began on January 20, 2025. He is working with a Republican-controlled Congress to advance his “America First 2.0” agenda, which includes stricter immigration measures and higher tariffs on major trading partners.
Throughout the year, the “Trump 2028” message has surfaced repeatedly — on merchandise and in subtle nods during public appearances. In September, Trump even shared photos of “Trump 2028” hats placed on his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.
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In October, House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the prospect of a serious third-term attempt, saying the president was simply “having a good time… trolling.”
“There is the 22nd Amendment… I think the president knows. And he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” he told reporters.
Trump, too, appeared to acknowledge the barrier last month: “I’m not allowed to run, it’s too bad.”
Trump Jr closes in on JD Vance in 2028 polling
A new McLaughlin and Associates survey shows Donald Trump Jr. gaining ground as a potential 2028 contender among Republican voters.
In August, Vance led with 36 per cent to Trump Jr.’s 16 per cent. By October, the gap narrowed — Vance at 38 per cent and Trump Jr. at 20 per cent.
The trend continued into November, with Vance’s support slipping to 34 per cent while Trump Jr. rose to 24 per cent, reducing the difference to just 10 points.