British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received two signed baseball caps from Donald Trump during their first meeting last year, according to a transparency declaration from Starmer's office
released on Thursday.
The meeting took place in September at Trump Tower while Starmer was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. At the time, Trump was the Republican nominee in the U.S. presidential race.
As part of the UK's transparency regulations, government officials must disclose any ministerial gifts valued over £140 ($175). The signed caps were among several items Starmer reported in accordance with these rules.
Starmer’s disclosure listed the caps as being received on September 26, the same day he met Trump. However, no additional details were provided, and Downing Street declined to comment further.
The meeting occurred amid speculation about how a potential Trump presidency could affect U.S.-UK relations, particularly given past criticism of Trump from senior figures in Starmer’s administration.
In addition to Trump’s gift, Starmer also reported receiving Taylor Swift merchandise from Universal Music Group in August, coinciding with the singer’s London concert tour. The acceptance of complimentary items previously sparked controversy for Starmer and other Labour politicians, leading Starmer to reimburse thousands of pounds for various gifts, including six tickets to a Swift concert.
Other disclosed gifts included Team GB Olympic sportswear for the Paris 2024 Games, a watch, baseball, book, and sunglasses from former U.S. President Joe Biden, a pair of whisky glasses from Nissan, and a silver dagger from the Sultan of Oman.
Under ministerial guidelines, officials can either purchase such gifts personally or leave them with their office. The records show Starmer opted to buy the Swift merchandise, while the Trump caps remain listed as "Held by department." Photo by Sgt. Dana M Clarke, Wikimedia commons.