>on the left side behind him was a cluster of different badges of some sort. I couldn't make out who or what they represented, but they certainly were there for a reason.
They're challenge coins, anon.
From Getty Images:
A collection of US President Donald Trump's challenge coins are seen in the Oval Office of the White House April 24, 2017 in Washington, DC
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/collection-of-us-president-donald-trumps-challenge-coins-news-photo/672276378