Talk of former President Barack Obama making a comeback in the 2028 election has resurfaced online, fueled by recent remarks from President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of serving a third term. The discussion, amplified by the trending hashtag #Obama2028, has taken over social media platforms, with users debating the legal and political implications of such a scenario.
In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump stirred controversy by addressing the idea of extending his presidency beyond two terms. “A lot of people want me to do it… But I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration,” he said. While he acknowledged that there are “methods which you could do it,” he admitted, “I have not looked into it.”
Trump’s remarks triggered further speculation when Fox News pressed him on whether Democrats might try to bring Obama back if third terms were allowed. “I’d love that. That would be a good one. I’d like that,” Trump responded, fueling the online frenzy.
Social media reacts with #Obama2028
Following Trump’s comments, the hashtag #Obama2028 began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users weighing in on the hypothetical matchup. One user wrote, “Damn straight. Make America Intelligent Again #Obama2028.” Another posted, “#Obama2028 vs #Trump? That would be juicy.” A third chimed in, “Trump wants to ignore the 22nd Amendment and run for a third term? Okay. Barack Obama in 2028. Let’s go.”
While the online debate has captured the imagination of many, there is no indication that Obama is considering a return to politics. More importantly, the law firmly prohibits him from running again.
Can a president serve a third term?
Under current U.S. law, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly states that no person can be elected president more than twice. Since Obama served two consecutive terms from 2009 to 2017, he is ineligible to seek re-election.
Earlier this year, Republican Rep. Andy Ogles proposed amending the 22nd Amendment to permit a third term, but only for presidents who served non-consecutive terms. This proposal, if passed, could allow Trump another run but would still exclude Obama, as his two terms were consecutive.
The legal reality
Despite the online excitement, the constitutional restrictions remain unchanged. For either Trump or Obama to serve a third term, the U.S. Constitution would need a major amendment—an uphill battle requiring overwhelming support from Congress and ratification by the states.
For now, the speculation remains just that—an online fantasy driven by political banter and social media engagement. While debates over third terms may persist, the law is clear: neither Trump nor Obama can legally return to the Oval Office for a third time under the current rules.
