Immediately after being sentenced to pay over $300 million in his high-profile fraud trial, Donald Trump has already begun a new money-making scheme: selling sneakers.
The former president unveiled his new “Never Surrender” high-top shoes at SneakerCon in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The golden shoes initially had a proud price tag of $399, but have already been resold online for many times more.
Here’s what we know about Mr. Trump’s latest foray into the fashion world:
For “true patriots”
The first “official” Trump product fits well with two of the former president’s favorite things – America and himself.
The bright gold high-top shoes feature a large “T” printed on the side, while the US flag is sewn around the shaft. This ensures “both style and comfort” and is described as “perfect for any Trump supporter”.
Customers are again offered the opportunity to “become part of history” by purchasing the shoes, with only 1,000 pairs reportedly being produced.
Each pair is numbered and “at least 10 pairs” will be signed by Mr Trump, according to the website where the shoes are sold.
“They’re for the daredevils who don’t know the word ‘surrender.’ With a bold gold finish and ‘T’ badge, these kicks are for true Patriots,” reads a description.
“Featuring an American flag on the collar, they call out to the brave and the free. The Never Surrender sneakers are your battle cry in shoe form. Lace up your shoes and step out, ready to conquer.”
Two additional pairs of shoes are also available: a pair of white “POTUS” shoes and another pair of red “T-Wave” shoes.
How much?
The price of the “Never Surrender” high-tops is a whopping $399, but due to their exclusivity, the shoes have already sparked fierce bidding wars online.
A quick eBay search on Sunday found a pair of the shoes being offered for just under $5,000, with one MAGA supporter claiming to have bid $9,000 for a signed pair.
The high tops are already sold out online, but further pre-orders are possible according to the website.
The other two pairs of shoes available online are both sold for $199 on the website.
The new website also features other Trump-branded shoes, as well as Victory47 cologne and perfume for $99 a bottle.
Political affiliation?
Although the shoes and website feature Trump-like rhetoric often seen in his campaign, the website claims it has no affiliation with “any political campaign.”
When the former president unveiled the footwear at the Philadelphia Convention Center, he was greeted with both loud boos and cheers.
“There are a lot of emotions in this room,” he said of the reaction after he held up and demonstrated a pair of golden shoes and then placed one on either side of his podium.
“This is something I’ve been talking about for 12, 13 years. And I think it will be a huge success.”
Representatives of the Trump campaign team advertised the appearance in online posts.
However, a disclaimer on the website states: “’Trump’ and its associated design are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of CIC Ventures LLC.
“Trump sneakers are not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, or any of their respective partners or principals. 45Footwear, LLC uses Trump’s name, image and likeness under a licensing agreement that may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.
“GetTrumpSneakers.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign.”
Trump merchandise
The shoes and cologne are just the latest attempt by the former president to capitalize on his disgrace.
During the holiday season, Mr. Trump promoted a wide range of “Never Surrender” items, including cards, wrapping paper and even pieces of his own suit.
In December, he advertised pieces of the suit he wore in his now-infamous mugshot for the bargain price of $4,600, touting them as a “historic” Christmas gift.
The opportunity arose as part of a series of his digital trading cards called The Mugshot Edition. Customers could purchase 47 of the digital trading cards featuring various patriotic pop-art depictions of Mr Trump – for $99 each – and then receive a special physical card as a gift.
Holiday items have been promoted on his campaign website, including mugshot wrapping paper and a Christmas stocking. His signature “Make America Great Again” baseball caps are still on sale, having previously been offered during the holiday season in the traditional red and green colors with Christmas lights.
The hats retailed for $50 each, the wrapping paper was $35, and the stockings were $25.
