Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for president, is known for blending his political pursuits with business ventures. Recently, he launched the “Official Trump Watch Collection,” which features diamond-encrusted timepieces. The priciest watch in the collection boasts 122 diamonds on its bezel and is available in three styles made from 18-karat gold, priced at $100,000. A more affordable option, the “Fight Fight Fight” model, is offered for $499.
This new collection is just one of many products Trump has promoted since announcing his 2024 campaign, which also included Bibles, sneakers, photo books, and even cryptocurrency. The timing of this launch—just 40 days before Election Day—could attract criticism regarding his efforts to monetize his campaign. This is particularly relevant as he criticizes Vice President Kamala Harris for being disconnected from the economic challenges faced by many Americans.
The promotional materials for Trump’s products clarify that the sales do not directly fund his campaign, yet they are still tied to a “paid license agreement.” This is reminiscent of Trump’s previous endeavors, where he earned money from various branded items before entering politics, including water, vodka, and steak. Earlier this week, he also launched $100 silver coins featuring his likeness and promoted a “God Bless the USA Bible,” inspired by country music star Lee Greenwood.
This year alone, Trump showcased his new sneakers at “Sneaker Con,” which billed itself as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.” His shiny gold high-tops, detailed with the American flag and labeled “Never Surrender High-Tops,” are priced at $399. Additionally, the collection includes other Trump-branded footwear and “Victory47” cologne and perfume, each priced at $99 per bottle.
Trump has also been involved in the non-fungible token (NFT) market. He previously reported earnings between $100,000 and $1 million from a line of digital trading cards depicting him in whimsical styles, including as an astronaut and a cowboy. Many of his products, such as the coins, sneakers, and Bibles, are associated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company Trump indicated he owns in his 2023 financial disclosure. This company appears to have licensing arrangements with 45Footwear, emphasizing the use of Trump’s “name, likeness, and image.”
Despite the legal challenges Trump faces—including a recent civil fraud judgment of $489 million—a New York appellate court has suggested it may reconsider the ruling. Furthermore, the sales agreements for his watches also involve licensing terms similar to those for his other products. The company handling the watch sales, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC, asserts that the watches are purely collectible items—not investment opportunities.
A spokesperson from the Trump campaign directed inquiries about the licensing deals to the Trump Organization, which has yet to respond to requests for comment. Likewise, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC has not provided feedback regarding the licensing agreement on its website.
What to know about the 2024 Election
Reporting from Chapin, South Carolina, Meg Kinnard can be contacted at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
