Zelenskyy shown ‘Trump 2028’ hats on White House tour

The US president welcomed his Ukrainian opposite number on Monday for talks which might pave the way for a trilateral meeting with Russia, aimed at stopping the ongoing conflict.

Mr Zelenskyy’s visit was hailed as a success by Sir Keir Starmer and, if nothing else, was at least more successful than the summit in February which ended in an argument.

But beyond the handshakes was a strange image of Mr Zelenskyy visiting a White House gift shop, where a stack of signature memorabilia appeared to be available. French president Emmanuel Macron was also pictured as Mr Trump lifted a ‘Four More Years’ cap off the shelf.

Among the items included a ‘Trump 2028’ baseball cap, an item which is also available online for $50 (a notable $5 less than the Make America Great Again hat).

Read also: 'I changed, you haven't': Zelenskyy jibes at US reporter as he swaps military gear for black suit

A description reads: “The future looks bright! Rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat. Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat.”

Mr Trump is constitutionally barred from running for office for a third term and has previously ruled out standing again.

Read also: Trump interrupts peace talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders to call Putin

Why are Trump 2028 hats on sale?

It is unclear what lies behind the meaning of the hat’s message.

"I'll be an eight-year president, I'll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important," Mr Trump has said about the issue.

"It's something that, to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do. I don't know if that's constitutional that they're not allowing you to do it or anything else.”

He added there are “many people” selling the hat.

The message could relate to one of Mr Trump’s children running for office - or it could be a joke.

On Twitter, responses to the picture included those stipulating that the president was intending to “troll” his opponents by offering a worst-case scenario.

“Libs going to be big mad in the morning,” one presumed Donald Trump fan wrote.

Another responded: “Donald Trump Jr. 2028/2032, Barron Trump 2036/2040.”

Such a Trump dynasty has not been publicly advertised by the president. But it is thought that Eric Trump might have aspirations, even if Ivanka does not.

Barron Trump, the president's youngest child, is only 19 and would only be 30 in 2036, below the required age of 35.

But constitutions can be changed, perhaps even to allow a president a third term.

The White House has been approached for comment.

Who is Donald Trump?

Name: Donald John Trump

Age: 79 (born June 14, 1946)

Bio: Real estate developer, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States (2017-2021) and is currently the 47th President (inaugurated January 2025). Built a business empire centered around real estate development, hotels, and licensing deals. Hosted The Apprentice TV show from 2004-2015

Political party: Republican Party

Relationships: Married three times - first to Ivana Zelníčková (1977-1992), then to Marla Maples (1993-1999), and currently to Melania Knauss (married 2005)

Children: Five children - Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric (with Ivana); Tiffany (with Marla); and Barron (with Melania)

Net worth: Estimates vary widely, but generally reported to be in the billions. Forbes has estimated it at around $2-3 billion, though Trump has claimed higher figures

Height and weight: Officially listed as 6'3" tall. Weight has been reported at various figures over the years, with official reports typically around 240-250 pounds, around 115kg