The Oval Office meeting didn’t stop a shutdown, but the Trump 2028 hats and a sombrero set a tone
October 3, 2025
Halfway through Donald Trump’s inaugural White House meeting with congressional leadership, the red “Trump 2028” hats appeared on the president’s desk. The moment was vintage Trump –- grabbing the attention and seeking to throw negotiators off their game as they tried to stop a government shutdown. It also underscored the president’s regard for Congress and his opponents across the political aisle. What was once was considered a historic occasion –- the president of the United States convening his first “big four” meeting with leaders from the House and Senate –- was reduced to another viral souvenir of Trump trolling his opponents. And it did little to prevent a federal government closure.