Trump Unveils Luxury Watch Line Amid Campaign Merchandise Boom
Former President Donald Trump launches high-end watch collection, adding to his campaign-era product line. The move raises questions about blending politics and business as the election approaches.
Donald Trump, the former U.S. president and current Republican presidential candidate, has expanded his merchandise portfolio with the introduction of a luxury watch collection. This latest venture, unveiled on September 26, 2024, comes just 40 days before the upcoming presidential election.
The "Official Trump Watch Collection" features timepieces ranging from $499 to an extravagant $100,000 model adorned with 122 diamonds and available in three 18-karat gold variations. This launch is part of a broader trend of Trump-branded products that have emerged during his 2024 campaign.
Trump's business acumen has been a defining feature of his career. The Trump Organization, established in 1923, encompasses approximately 500 business entities under his ownership. His net worth was estimated at $2.5 billion by Forbes in 2023, reflecting his diverse business interests.
The former president's foray into product licensing is not new. Throughout his career, Trump has lent his name to various products and services, including Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka, and even Trump University. This practice has continued into his political career, with recent offerings including a $59.99 "God Bless the USA Bible" inspired by Lee Greenwood's patriotic ballad, $399 "Never Surrender High-Tops" sneakers, and $99 "Victory47" fragrances.
Trump's merchandise strategy employs a licensing model, where proceeds from sales do not directly benefit his campaign or the Trump Organization. Instead, companies pay for the right to use Trump's name, image, and likeness. This arrangement allows Trump to profit from product sales without direct involvement in manufacturing or distribution.
"Trump Watches are intended as collectible items for individual enjoyment only, not for investment purposes."
The timing of this product launch, so close to Election Day, may invite scrutiny. Critics might argue that Trump is capitalizing on his political campaign for personal gain. This criticism is not new to Trump, who has faced questions about the blending of his business and political interests since his first presidential run in 2016.
Trump's presidency was marked by significant policy initiatives, including the 2017 tax cuts and jobs act, which represented the largest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in three decades. His "America First" foreign policy led to the renegotiation of trade deals like NAFTA, and his administration oversaw the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines through Operation Warp Speed.
The launch of the watch collection comes amid ongoing legal challenges for the former president. Recently, a New York appellate court indicated it might reduce or reverse a $489 million civil fraud judgment against Trump. This legal context adds another layer of complexity to Trump's simultaneous roles as a businessman, political figure, and legal defendant.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump's campaign continues to blend elements of his business background with his political aspirations. The success of these ventures and their impact on his campaign remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly reflect Trump's unique approach to politics and commerce.
