From Bibles to Sneakers: How Trump is turning election hype into merchandise gold
Trump launches election-themed merch, selling Bibles, sneakers, and silver coins. His image fuels products, promoting his brand under paid licensing deals.
Former President Donald Trump, known for building on his family’s real estate fortune, has expanded his business ventures far beyond buildings and properties. From steaks to “Trump University” courses, and most recently to a wide range of merchandise and memorabilia—ranging from Bibles to sneakers—all carrying his image, it seems that nearly everything was sold by Trump.
Why is Donald Trump selling bibles?
Though not frequently seen attending church, Trump refers to the Bible as his “favorite book.” Capitalizing on his strong ties with the evangelical community, he has started selling personalized Bibles for $59.99 on his website. In a promotional video in which he calls Americans to “Make America Pray Again,” it’s obvious he’s lifting from his famous “Make America Great Again” mantra. The Bibles, signed by conservative musician Lee Greenwood, who also co-wrote the best-selling patriotic song, “God Bless the USA,” an anthem staple at Trump rallies.
The story behind the commemorative sneakers
Trump is also peddling limited-edition sneakers for $299, marking a failed assassination attempt on him during a Pennsylvania rally. The white high-top sneakers bear an image of Trump with his ear bleeding and his fist raised in defiance right after the attack. The soles bear the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!” in bold blue letters, mimicking the president’s rallying cry.
Smashed pieces of presidential suits on sale
Avid collectors will find pieces of the suit that Trump wore during the televised debate with President Joe Biden. The President eventually left the race after what Trump said was a catastrophic performance and has lost since then to Kamala Harris. For $1,485, buyers will get scraps of fabric from Trump’s suit attached to trading cards. In a promotional video, Trump called the bits of the suit “a tangible piece of Presidential history.”
Silver coins and a new cryptocurrency venture
The silver coins with the image of Trump, which will fetch him $100 apiece, have been announced. The coins are described as “a true symbol of American greatness.” One side has Trump’s face, and the other one has the White House, surrounded with “In God We Trust,” a phrase used on many U.S. banknotes. There is, however, one peculiarity of these coins-they are not legal tender and cannot be used as cash.
Trump has also ventured into the digital world with a new cryptocurrency called World Liberty Financial, looking to position the United States as the “crypto capital of the world.”
Are these products funding Trump’s campaign?
While the products themselves are promotional in character, no one product is designed to finance Trump’s current political campaigns. According to the websites selling the products, they use Trump’s name, likeness, and image under a paid licensing agreement.
Trump’s merchandise has shown an ability to infuse his political persona into consumer products, he continues to engage his fans in such a way that creates one-of-a-kind and, sometimes, wonderfully quirky merchandise.
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