Former President Donald Trump, known for blending business with politics, has introduced a new product line during his 2024 presidential campaign: luxury watches priced as high as $100,000. The “Official Trump Watch Collection” features diamond-encrusted timepieces, joining a series of Trump-branded products ranging from Bibles to sneakers. This latest venture reflects Trump’s unique approach to campaign marketing, which has garnered both support and criticism as the election draws closer.
Trump’s History of Branded Products
Trump’s reputation for combining his political platform with business ventures is well-documented. From Bibles to cryptocurrency, he has consistently found ways to market products tied to his personal brand. The latest in this tradition is the “Official Trump Watch Collection,” a high-end range of diamond-encrusted watches launched just 40 days before Election Day. This timing has sparked discussions about the ethics of monetizing political campaigns, with some critics questioning whether such ventures distract from addressing key national issues.
Notably, Trump’s history of branded merchandise extends beyond his current political ambitions. Long before his presidential campaigns, Trump profited from products like water, vodka, and steaks, using a similar licensing model. This allowed him to leverage his name, likeness, and image for commercial gain, a tactic he’s continued into his political career.
The Trump Watch Collection
Trump’s new watch line includes a variety of options, with the most luxurious model featuring 122 diamonds on its bezel and available in three 18-karat gold styles for $100,000. Additionally, the collection offers a “Fight Fight Fight” model priced at a more accessible $499, catering to different segments of his supporter base.
A key detail is that while the watches bear Trump’s name, the sales proceeds do not directly benefit his campaign or The Trump Organization. Instead, the revenue is part of a paid licensing agreement that allows a third-party company, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC, to sell the products under the Trump name. This separation may shield Trump from direct accusations of profiting off his campaign, though critics still raise concerns about the overall ethics of the venture.
Critics and Ethical Concerns
Trump’s practice of marketing products during his presidential campaigns has not been without controversy. Critics argue that these ventures blur the line between business and politics, potentially undermining the seriousness of his platform. With the introduction of a $100,000 watch, Trump has opened himself up to accusations of being out of touch with the economic struggles many Americans are facing.
His focus on selling luxury goods, like diamond-encrusted watches, starkly contrasts with the image he portrays as a champion for the working class. This latest business move could fuel criticisms, especially as his campaign highlights issues like inflation and rising living costs. In comparison, Vice President Kamala Harris has been accused by Trump of being disconnected from average Americans, yet Trump’s product launch invites similar scrutiny of his own priorities.
Trump’s Licensing Strategy
The licensing agreement underpinning the watch collection mirrors Trump’s broader business strategy, where his name and image are licensed for commercial purposes. This model has allowed Trump to generate income from a wide range of products without direct involvement in the production or sale. The watches, along with other products like Trump-branded sneakers, colognes, and NFTs (nonfungible tokens), are marketed as collectible items for personal enjoyment rather than investment purposes.
This approach has helped Trump maintain a steady stream of revenue, even amid legal and financial challenges. A recent $489 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, for instance, has raised questions about the sustainability of his business empire. However, the Trump Organization remains insulated from these licensing deals, ensuring that any fallout from legal battles does not directly affect these ventures.
Other Trump-Branded Products
Over the past year, Trump has launched an array of branded items, from $100 silver coins bearing his face to a patriotic-themed Bible sold for $59.99. These products have been strategically tied to his political messaging, with the “God Bless the USA Bible” linked to country singer Lee Greenwood’s famous ballad, a staple at Trump rallies.
In February, Trump ventured into the sneaker world, releasing gold high-top shoes priced at $399, branded as “Never Surrender High-Tops.” These sneakers, along with other products like “Victory47” cologne, showcase Trump’s commitment to maintaining a diverse product range. The coins, sneakers, and Bibles are affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company Trump owns, which handles the licensing for many of these products.
Trump’s Foray Into NFTs
Another notable entry in Trump’s business ventures has been his involvement in NFTs. Nonfungible tokens are digital assets that use blockchain technology to verify ownership of unique items, such as digital art or collectibles. In 2022, Trump reported earning between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of NFTs featuring cartoon-like images of himself as an astronaut, cowboy, and superhero.
While NFTs have become a popular investment trend, Trump’s digital trading cards were marketed more as collectible items rather than serious financial assets. This mirrors the marketing approach for his watches, coins, and other products, where the emphasis is on personal enjoyment rather than long-term value.
Conclusion
Trump’s latest business venture, the diamond-encrusted “Official Trump Watch Collection,” fits into his larger pattern of blending political campaigns with branded merchandise. As he continues to promote products under his name, Trump’s supporters and critics alike will closely watch how this strategy plays out, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.
Though his name may no longer directly benefit from these sales, Trump’s ability to monetize his brand remains a significant part of his public persona. Whether this watch collection will enhance his campaign image or provide fuel for his opponents remains to be seen.
