By Trendsetter Tribune 
Steve Bannon, former White House strategist and longtime Donald Trump confidant, continues to stir political waters by championing the idea of a “Trump 2028” campaign—even though a third term for the former president would violate the U.S. Constitution. Sources close to Bannon suggest that his repeated references to a hypothetical Trump comeback may mask a deeper ambition: a run for the presidency himself.
The Trump 2028 Narrative
Bannon, 72, has been publicly discussing ways Trump could theoretically circumvent the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. He first raised the issue last November, citing advice from a “constitutional lawyer” who told him he could “drive a Mack truck through the 22nd Amendment.” The lawyer in question is Alan Dershowitz, the controversial attorney known for representing high-profile clients, who is co-authoring Bannon’s upcoming book, Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term?, scheduled for release in March.
Despite these claims, insiders tell Axios that Bannon privately acknowledges a third Trump term is unrealistic. One source said, “When Trump doesn’t end up running, [Bannon] will reluctantly say he must carry the mantle.”
Bannon has publicly denied plans for his own presidential bid. “We don’t have a country if we don’t get every ounce of fight and energy from President Trump — you can drive a Mack Truck through the 22nd Amendment — and that’s exactly what I intend to do in order to save our country,” he told Axios, calling speculation about his own ambitions “bulls–t.”
Laying the Groundwork
Still, Bannon appears to be quietly preparing for a potential political run. According to sources, he has explored creating a PAC, met with state-level organizers who could assist in future primaries, and spoken with allies who might serve on a campaign team.
However, his associates caution that any presidential campaign by Bannon would not be a conventional bid for the White House. Instead, it would likely function as a “stunt campaign” designed to influence the GOP policy debate, promote his “America First” agenda, and challenge other Republican hopefuls.
Targeting GOP Rivals
Bannon has frequently criticized GOP leaders such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claiming they are too close to Silicon Valley and “broligarchs.” On his War Room podcast in November, he said, “The big fight coming for MAGA is not ‘Con Inc.’ because they are not as powerful as they were. The tech bros are. That game of the tech bros is going to come crashing down in the end. Going to be brutal, but it has got to be done.”
Observers see Bannon’s “Trump 2028” messaging as a strategic effort to position himself as a kingmaker or disruptor within the party, rather than a serious campaign to secure the presidency. Author Jonathan Karl noted that Bannon’s campaign talk could be a way to “troll” Vance, widely considered the heir apparent to the Trump political movement.
Trump’s Position
Donald Trump himself has acknowledged the constitutional limit, saying it is “pretty clear” he cannot run for a third term. Yet Bannon’s repeated public statements keep speculation alive and maintain his relevance among segments of the GOP base that remain loyal to Trump-style politics.
Analysis
Political analysts suggest that Bannon’s approach combines spectacle with strategy. By raising the impossible notion of a third Trump term, he not only commands media attention but also positions himself as a gatekeeper for the “America First” ideology within the Republican Party. Should Trump decide not to run, Bannon could step into the narrative as a placeholder candidate, leveraging attention and influence without intending to win a general election.
The strategy is emblematic of Bannon’s broader political playbook: disrupt conventional party hierarchies, amplify populist messaging, and wield media platforms to shape the debate. Whether or not he ultimately enters the 2028 race, his actions are likely to affect GOP primaries and policy conversations leading up to the next presidential election.
Conclusion
Steve Bannon’s persistent “Trump 2028” rhetoric illustrates his dual role as both a loyalist to Donald Trump and a potential political player in his own right. While a third term for Trump is constitutionally impossible, Bannon’s maneuvers may be aimed at cementing his influence within the Republican Party and keeping the MAGA agenda alive. As Trump maintains his two-term limit reality, the coming months could reveal whether Bannon transforms this stunt into a tangible campaign or continues to shape GOP discourse from the sidelines.