He sold Bibles, sneakers, photo books, and virtual currency during his third presidential campaign. Now, Donald Trump is launching a new business: diamond-encrusted watches.
The Republican presidential candidate announced the “Official Trump Watch Collection” on Thursday. The most expensive one has 122 diamonds in the bezel, comes in three styles in 18-karat gold, and costs $100,000. Another “Fight Fight Fight” model sells for $499.
Following a long tradition of blending political and business interests, Mr. Trump has promoted an array of branded products since launching his 2024 White House campaign. Thursday’s launch, which comes 40 days before Election Day, could expose her to criticism over campaign monetization, especially as Vice President Kamala Harris insists she is out of touch with Americans’ economic struggles. .
The various product websites say that the proceeds from their sales do not directly benefit Mr. Trump or his campaign, but also say that each is subject to “paid licensing agreements.” It’s the same system that allowed Mr. Trump to make money selling everything from water to vodka to steak for years, long before he entered politics.
Earlier this week, he announced the sale of a $100 silver coin with his face on it. In March, ahead of Easter, President Trump published a video on Truth Social urging supporters to spend $59.99 on “God Bless the USA Bible,” a song inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad. called out. Mr. Trump took to the stage to the song at every rally and appeared with Mr. Greenwood at events.
In February, he promoted new Trump-branded sneakers at SneakerCon, a gathering that bills itself as the “Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.” The shoe, a shiny gold high-top with an American flag detail on the back, is sold as the “Never Surrender High-top” on the new website for $399 and is available alongside other Trump-branded shoes and Victory47 colognes and perfumes are also on sale for $99. bottle.
Trump has also dabbled in NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and last year sold $100,000 for a series of digital trading cards depicting him in cartoon-like images, including an astronaut, a cowboy and a superhero. He reported that he earned $1 million in revenue.
Some of these items, including coins, sneakers, and a Bible, are listed as affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company that President Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosures, and include 45 foot It has a similar arrangement with Ware Inc., which also says it is using President Trump’s “name.” Portraits and images are provided under a paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked in accordance with its terms. ”
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The items were put up for sale following a $489 million civil fraud judgment against the former president, but the New York Court of Appeals on Thursday appeared open to reducing or reversing the judgment.
According to a disclaimer on the sales website, the watches are subject to similar agreements to license Trump’s name, image and likeness, and any proceeds from their sale go to the Trump campaign or the Trump Organization. It said it was not donated and “was not designed, manufactured or distributed.” or sold by Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, or their affiliates or principals. ”
Instead, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC, which is listed as the selling entity, “is using ‘Trump’s’ name, image and likeness under a paid license agreement, which may be terminated or revoked pursuant to the terms of the agreement.” states. Trump Watches are intended solely as collectibles for personal enjoyment and are not intended for investment purposes. ”
A Trump campaign spokesperson referred questions about the licensing agreement to the Trump Organization, which did not immediately return a message seeking comment. TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC also did not immediately respond to inquiries about the deal through its website.
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Meg Kinnard reported from Chapin, South Carolina. He can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
