As the election season heats up, Donald Trump is capitalizing on his image with an eclectic range of merchandise. Despite recent challenges, including a significant drop in shares of Trump Media and Technology Group, the former president remains undeterred, continuing to offer a variety of unusual items for sale.
Trump’s history with merchandise spans a range of products, from steaks and “Trump University” courses to stock in his media company, Truth Social. However, many of these ventures have met with difficulties—Trump steaks were discontinued shortly after their launch, and Trump University faced lawsuits for fraud.
In a notable move, Trump began selling Bibles for $59.99 around Easter, promoting them with the slogan “We must Make America Pray Again.” This effort aims to appeal to evangelical voters, a core part of the Republican base. The Bibles are being distributed in collaboration with conservative musician Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.”
For $299, supporters can purchase high-top sneakers that commemorate an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. The sneakers feature an image of Trump with a bleeding ear, along with the rallying cry “Fight! Fight! Fight!” printed on the soles—echoing his words during the chaotic moment.
Trump is also offering small pieces of fabric from the suit he wore during his debate with Joe Biden for $1,485. Marketed as “a tangible piece of presidential history,” these fragments come affixed to trading cards, aimed at collectors and supporters wanting to own a piece of the past.
This weekend, Trump announced the launch of silver coins featuring his likeness, priced at $100 each. Although not legal tender, the coins bear the motto “In God We Trust” on one side and Trump’s image on the other. He humorously noted that while many coins feature his face, these are the “official” ones.
While these items are marketed as memorabilia and collectibles, they are not intended to raise funds for his campaign. Websites selling the merchandise state that they utilize Trump’s name and likeness under a paid license, indicating a business approach to capitalizing on his brand.
As Trump prepares for a competitive election against incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, his merchandise strategy reflects his unique blend of politics and commerce, appealing to his base with items that resonate with their values and support for his brand.
