President Donald Trump is sending a clear message from the Oval Office — and it comes in the form of bright red “Trump 2028” hats lined neatly across the Resolute Desk.
The photos, posted by Trump on Truth Social late Tuesday night, were taken during a tense meeting with Democratic leaders at the White House on Monday. The conversation centered on averting a government shutdown, but the hats stole plenty of attention.
President Donald Trump sat at his desk in the Oval Office with “Trump 2028” hats visible, Photo Credit: Politics & Poll Tracker/X
The timing was deliberate. Washington was on the verge of its first shutdown since 2018–19, with midnight October 1 marking the deadline. Hours before the clock ran out, Trump used both social media and symbolism to highlight his stance.
White House press secretary Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital that the administration is pushing for a simple, short-term funding bill — nothing more, nothing less.
“The Trump administration wants a straightforward and clean continuing resolution to keep the government open — the exact same proposal Democrats supported just six months ago, and 13 different times under Joe Biden,” Jackson said.
A Trump 2028 hat on the desk with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Photo Credit: Politics & Poll Tracker/X
She placed blame squarely on Democrats, accusing them of holding out for nearly $1.5 trillion in new spending.
“Far-left Democrats are forcing a shutdown to push their enormous wish list, which even includes free healthcare for illegal immigrants.” Voters rejected that agenda less than a year ago, and now Democrats are willing to shut down the government to force it through.”
Vice President JD Vance cautioned on Monday, telling reporters, “It looks like we’re on track for a shutdown.”
A Trump 2028 hat on the desk with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Photo Credit: Politics & Poll Tracker/X
Democratic leaders didn’t dispute the deep divisions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York admitted, “The sides have very large differences.”
By late Tuesday, the Senate’s final attempt to extend funding failed, all but guaranteeing a shutdown at midnight.
Trump, meanwhile, leaned into the optics. His campaign has been selling “Trump 2028” hats for months, and the Oval Office display served as a reminder of both his political future and his willingness to fight Democrats over spending.
Schumer dismissed the move, insisting Trump “can avoid a shutdown if he chooses to.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries struck a similar tone, declaring, “We will not back down” when it comes to Democratic priorities like healthcare and social programs.
A red hat with Trump 2028 design, Photo Credit: Politics & Poll Tracker/X
This is not Trump’s first standoff over funding. During his first term, the nation endured the longest shutdown in U.S. history — a 35-day impasse from late 2018 into early 2019. At that time, the battle was over border security funding.
Now, the stakes are different, but the playbook is familiar: Trump says Democrats are pushing extreme spending demands, while his administration calls for a short-term fix to keep the lights on.
And in true Trump fashion, he isn’t just negotiating with lawmakers — he’s framing the fight for the American people, with red hats front and center on the most famous desk in Washington.
