Donald Trump has sparked backlash after sharing an AI-generated video that features “Trump 2028” hats.
On Monday (September 29), the 79-year-old shared an image from a meeting with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office aimed at negotiating a resolution to prevent a government shutdown.
The photo featured “Trump 2028” hats prominently displayed on the Resolute Desk. This image quickly drew attention due to the suggestion that the two-time leader may be signaling an intention to run for president again in 2028.
AI-Generated Video Stirs Controversy
Trump has already served two terms in office (2016 and 2020), and is constitutionally barred from seeking a third, per the 22nd Amendment.
Despite this, the visual of “Trump 2028” gear raised questions about his commitment to respecting the limits of the presidency.
Rather than clarifying whether his display of the hats was a joke or a serious campaign hint, the president doubled down by sharing an AI-generated video on October 3.
In the clip, an animated version of Trump is seen throwing a “Trump 2028” hat at Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Social media reactions
Trump’s latest social media antics did not go unnoticed by his critics. Many voiced their concerns about the hats, calling out what they saw as a blatant disregard for the Constitution.
One user on X wrote: “Trump spent yesterday’s meeting with Democratic leadership taunting them with 'Trump 2028' hats. He’s not serious about keeping the government open. He’s openly mocking America’s Constitution."
A second comment read: "Are we acknowledging that the hat says Trump 2028??? Excuse me?? This should be bigger news!!? The actual f**k??
“If Trump can flaunt his Trump 2028 hats on the Resolute desk, trample the Constitution & run for a 3rd term - Barack Obama can run for a 3rd term," a third said, pointing to the perceived hypocrisy of the president's actions.
A fourth user said the hat "serves as the warning for what’s to come," adding: "Some folk keep ignoring that warning."
This isn’t the first time Trump has caused a stir with an AI-generated video.
Just days earlier, the president shared another controversial AI video promoting the outlandish “Medbed” conspiracy theory, which claims the US government has developed advanced healing technology that can heal wounds, regrow limbs, cure diseases, and even keep people alive long after death.
The video, shared on his Truth Social account, featured his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, anchoring a faux Fox News segment.
In the clip, an AI-generated version of Trump announced a nationwide healthcare plan, stating: "Every American will soon receive their own MedBed card. With it, you’ll have guaranteed access to our new hospitals led by the top doctors in the nation, equipped with the most advanced technology in the world."
This video was deleted within hours. However, the damage had already been done, as many questioned whether the president thought it was authentic or if it was simply a case of misinformation.