Trump’s White House merch room thrust into spotlight after Zelensky pictured with ‘4 more years’ hat
WASHINGTON — A snapshot of President Donald Trump offering a “4 More Years” hat to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week has cast new light on an unusual feature of Trump’s second term in office: a gift-filled showroom just steps from the Oval Office.
Once used as a private study — and, during Bill Clinton’s presidency, the infamous setting of his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky — the room has been transformed into what sources describe as a “no-cost gift shop,” stocked with branded Trump merchandise and high-end keepsakes.
According to sources familiar with the setup, the room now serves as both a hospitality suite and a strategic diplomatic tool, offering everything from gold-colored “Never Surrender” sneakers (originally sold for $399) to Stefano Ricci designer ties, normally priced at over $300.
“Some people leave with bags of stuff,” one insider told The Post. Items on display include photobooks, travel mugs, candles, golf accessories, cufflinks, enameled boxes, and even Bibles signed by Trump himself. Guests reportedly carry their selections in paper bags featuring the presidential seal.
Trump is said to enjoy hosting in the space and often encourages foreign dignitaries and allies to help themselves. After a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia was signed on August 8, Trump told Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his aides, “Fellas, come on, grab what you want. It’s OK.”
The room also reflects Trump’s branding instincts and showmanship. It serves to extend meetings with a more personal, informal touch — and allows him to reinforce relationships through symbolic gifts. For example, during Aliyev’s visit, Trump selected a scarf for the Azerbaijani First Lady and personally ensured a “Key to the White House” — a custom token he designed — was added to their souvenir bag.
Trump also showed Aliyev a “Trump 2028” cap, joking about term limits in the U.S. “You’re not allowed to run [for a third term]. I’m 28 points higher than anybody,” Trump said. “Everyone wants me to run.”
“Including us!” Aliyev responded — he himself succeeded his father in office and has faced criticism over democratic freedoms in Azerbaijan.
The same hat was earlier shown to Zelensky, as Trump pointed out a stack of merchandise including familiar red “Make America Great Again” caps, along with newer versions reading “Gulf of America” and “Trump Was Right About Everything.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who joined Zelensky during the visit, was seen holding his own “Key to the White House” in a wooden display box — the same box reportedly sitting minutes earlier on the Oval Office’s Resolute Desk.
HILARIOUS: Trump gives the President of Azerbaijan gifts and shows him a “Trump 2028” hat
TRUMP: Everyone wants me to run again.
ALIYEV: Including us!
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) August 9, 2025
Whether or not Zelensky selected any souvenirs remains unclear, but his meeting with Trump appeared to mark a diplomatic thaw, with Trump reportedly offering support for future U.S. and European security guarantees for Ukraine, should peace talks with Russia move forward.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has made dramatic changes across the White House grounds. Updates include gold-accented renovations to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, a marble refresh of the Palm Room, new flagpoles across the lawn, a paved Rose Garden patio, and plans to convert the East Wing into a ballroom.
Meanwhile, the small but strategically curated gift room continues to blend hospitality, branding, and diplomacy — one souvenir at a time.
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