**Donald Trump Launches New Merch: The 45-47 Collection Makes Waves**
In the world of political merchandise, few names sell quite like Donald Trump. Just days after the Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election and Trump was announced as president-elect, his merch game stepped up a notch. The Trump Store, a long-standing online venture, unveiled its latest line, charmingly titled the 45-47 Collection. This collection doesn’t just mark a victory; it’s packed with items like $28 mugs and luxurious pullovers priced at $195, all proudly displaying that eye-catching “45-47” logo. It seems fans can’t resist the allure of such exclusivity, and in just a couple of days, some items were already sold out!
But where exactly does the money from this merchandise go? Spoiler alert: it goes straight into Donald Trump’s pocket. Unlike typical merchandise sales that might support a campaign or charity, this money isn’t benefiting anyone but Trump himself. It’s clear from his financial disclosures that purchasing from his online store enriches the former president directly. This raises eyebrows—not just about the legality, but also about the ethical implications of mixing business with politics. After all, Trump had promised to keep his presidency and personal business separate, but those promises seem to have gone the way of a good hair day in a thunderstorm.
Historically, the Trump Store has seen its fair share of transformations since its inception over 15 years ago. What began as an outlet for golf gear and “Apprentice” memorabilia has since morphed into a political merchandise powerhouse. The revival of the website in 2017 introduced not just golf merchandise, but swiftly transitioned to catering to Trump’s presidential persona, featuring everything from soap wrapped in White House imagery to red, white, and blue flip-flops. It appears Trump knows how to mix business with pleasure—or in this case, with politics.
Despite a dip in sales following his departure from office, the store rebounded spectacularly. By the end of 2023, sales soared to about $2.7 million. This resurgence suggests that no matter the political climate, Trump’s brand remains potent. However, this leads to a bigger question: are the products made domestically? While many items in the 45-47 collection are proudly labeled “Made in America,” some lack that designation, raising concerns over how Trump’s policies on tariffs and imports might affect future sales. It’s an intriguing conundrum, especially as the inaugural date looms closer.
As Trump prepares to assume office again, one can’t help but speculate on how this merchandising blitz will play out. With a second term on the horizon, will he continue to meld his business endeavors with his presidential duties? History suggests he will not shy away from it. After all, he’s already proven adept at leveraging his political presence for profit. And if history is any guide, we might see even more audacious products hitting the shelves—perhaps a line of “America First” yoga mats or mugs adorned with campaign slogans. While Trump may have promised a separation of powers, it seems he is perfectly comfortable straddling the line between president and entrepreneur. One thing is for sure: the world of Trump merch is only just getting started.
