Exit Through the Gift Shop

During a recent White House visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders got an unusual tour: Donald Trump’s extravagant hat collection. White House assistant Margo Martin shared a behind-the-scenes photo showing Trump proudly showing his baseball hats to Zelenskyy and France’s President Macron.

“Exit through a gift shop,” journalist Olga Nesterova joked on X, with some arguing the display perfectly reflects the current state of American politics.

Once a private study — famously, President Bill Clinton’s den during the Monica Lewinsky era — the room now serves as a treasure trove for Trump fans and visiting dignitaries. The collection includes golden “Never Surrender” high-top sneakers priced at $399 and custom Stefano Ricci ties starting at $330, The New York Post reports.

Trump has a generous reputation in the room. He once told aides while showing the collection to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev:

“Fellas, come on, grab what you want. It’s OK.”

The Evolution of the MAGA Hat

Trump’s hat collection has expanded over the years. During his first term, the focus was on classic red MAGA hats. After his 2020 loss and 2024 comeback, he introduced new colors and slogans. Even Elon Musk reportedly tried several, including a “Dark MAGA” hat gifted by the mother of his secret child.

However, one recent addition has caused a stir. Hats labeled “Trump 2028” hint at the possibility of a third term — a direct conflict with the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms.

“Sorry, why exactly isn’t this seriously concerning anyone?” writer Allison Floyd asked on X, posting a close-up of the hats.

Responses ranged from curiosity to alarm. One user speculated that Trump might even position a family member, like Ivanka, as a successor.

Talk of a Third Term

Discussion of a “Trump 2028” run isn’t new. In an NBC News interview, Trump said:

“A lot of people want me to do it… It’s very early in the administration. I’m focused on the current.”

Despite constitutional limits, former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon insists Trump could return. On the Apocalypse Now? podcast, he predicted Trump would “be in the White House signing executive orders” on January 20, 2029. In a separate NewsNation interview, Bannon claimed they are exploring “many different alternatives” to ensure Trump’s return.

Unofficial “Trump 2028” merchandise has already begun circulating. Slogans like “Rewrite the Rules” suggest attempts to sidestep the 22nd Amendment, introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency.

Speculation and Debate

During Zelenskyy’s visit, Trump noted that Ukraine couldn’t hold elections during war. Observers speculated he might exploit similar circumstances to extend his presidency. Most agree, though, that an extreme event, like an invasion of American soil, would be required to prevent a presidential transition.

Whether these warnings are alarmist or plausible, one thing is clear: the conversation about “Trump 2028” is growing louder. The debate is far from over.