Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy after a stunt in the Oval Office appeared to hint at another presidential run. The 79-year-old has previously floated the idea of seeking a third term, despite the fact that the U.S. Constitution, under the 22nd Amendment, strictly prohibits presidents from serving more than two terms. With victories in 2016 and 2024, another campaign would be unconstitutional, yet Trump continues to fuel speculation.

This week, Trump shared an image on Truth Social showing “Trump 2028” hats prominently displayed in the Oval Office during a meeting with Democratic leaders about preventing a government shutdown. The timing was particularly striking, as news of the shutdown broke shortly afterward. The move was widely viewed as a taunt rather than a serious effort to address the crisis.

Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, slammed Trump’s actions, calling him “an unserious individual” and accusing Republicans of fueling instability instead of negotiating in good faith. Jeffries also criticized an AI video mocking him that Trump shared, labeling the behavior “erratic” and “unhinged.” His comments reflected growing frustration among Democrats who saw the hats as a deliberate mockery of both bipartisanship and the Constitution.

On social media, backlash was swift. Critics accused Trump of undermining the presidency by prioritizing theatrics over governance. One user wrote, “He’s not serious about keeping the government open. He’s openly mocking America’s Constitution.” Others suggested that if Trump could flaunt “2028” merch, then past presidents like Obama should also be eligible for third terms. To many, the hats weren’t just a stunt but a warning of Trump’s continued disregard for constitutional limits.