Third term for Donald Trump? Author reveals how MAGA chief could remain president beyond 2028

Donald Trump could potentially find a way to serve beyond the two-term limit for a US President, according to author Michael Wolff, who has long tracked the GOP leader's political maneuvers. Speaking on the Daily Beast podcast 'Inside Trump’s Head,' Wolff said Trump’s actions since his January inauguration suggest he is laying the groundwork to maintain influence over American politics well past 2028. “These are the moves of an authoritarian, clearly,” Wolff told co-host Joanna Coles, citing Trump’s targeting of political opponents, exerting control over courts, media, universities, and businesses all along while putting in place “mechanisms which might ensure continued electoral success.”

How is the GOP leader ensuring continued electoral success?

Wolff explains in detail how the Republican supremo targets blue states and controls mainstream media, creating a culture that supports him against his rivals. “The thing about an authoritarian… you can go down the list here of Donald Trump targeting—specifically targeting—his political opponents, Donald Trump exerting ever more control over courts, media, universities, businesses, of him explicitly targeting blue state governors and legislatures, and finally, locking in the mechanisms which might ensure continued electoral success,” Wolff said.

Making and breaking rules under an 'authoritarian' MAGA

The author explains that after four years of rule under a conservative government, it would be devastating for Americans to immediately shift to a Democratic regime, and that an authoritarian rule, which the author claims Trump peactices and pursues, is a self-sustaining mechanism of breaking and making rules.

Wolff said such moves also give Trump a strong incentive to stay in office. “The problem with this is that an authoritarian breaks so many rules and makes so many enemies that in order to avoid retribution, he has to stay in power,” Wolff added. “That is the nature of the game that is being played. So, if he has four years of dominating government, all branches of government…” He later continued, “I’m going to take it back, I think that it becomes a very real possibility that he will undo the impediments to a third term.

” “Actually, if you think about it, as he pursues this course,” Wolff said, “he will have to do that because the consequences of the Democrats taking power would be devastating.”

Targeting of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the role of US Supreme Court

Next November’s midterm elections could allow Democrats to petrify, weaken Trump if they gain more seats. However, Wolff warned that a pending Supreme Court ruling could make a Democratic takeover difficult. The Supreme Court recently heard a case challenging part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was designed to protect fair representation for racial minorities by requiring certain states to create majority-minority districts.

If this part of the law is struck down, Republican-led states could redraw district maps to reduce Democratic influence. Currently, Republicans have a six-seat advantage, and they could gain up to 12 more seats, according to a New York Times analysis.

Reshaping the US Constitution itself

Trump could also use legislative or legal options to stay in power longer. Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles introduced a resolution early in Trump’s term that would allow another term, but it faces big constitutional hurdles, needing approval from two-thirds of Congress and 38 states.

Another option is for Trump to run as a vice-presidential candidate and have the president resign right after taking office, letting him become president.Justice Amy Coney Barrett has said the Supreme Court has limited power to make a president follow its rulings. “We interpret the Constitution, we draw on precedents, we have these questions of structure, and we make the most with the tools that we have,” she told The New York Times.

'Trump 2028' merchandise on sale

For years, Trump has hinted at extending his tenure. Merchandise, including watches, mobile phones, and perfumes promoting “Trump 2028,” has been sold online, and he has publicly commented on the possibility of serving “three times or four times.”The White House did not provide a direct comment on Wolff’s remarks. Instead, a spokesperson sent a photograph of Trump smiling at lawmakers just before the federal government shutdown, with red “Trump 2028” hats on the Resolute Desk.The sale of “Trump 2028” merchandise goes beyond simple promotion, as it helps keep Trump’s image and messaging in the public eye while shaping political culture. By branding everyday items, supporters are constantly reminded of Trump's persona and campaign, creating a sense of loyalty and normalising the idea of another term. Such merchandise can subtly influence voters’ perceptions, reinforcing the notion that backing Trump is fashionable, mainstream, and widely accepted.