Donald Trump has a history of licensing various products under his name, ranging from steaks to scented candles. As he runs for the presidency against Joe Biden, he has expanded his merchandise to include sneakers, perfume, trading cards, and even Bibles. This intertwining of business ventures with his White House bid is unprecedented, as no other modern presidential candidate has actively hawked goods for private benefit during a campaign. While this type of activity might trigger a campaign finance investigation for an average candidate, it likely won’t for Trump due to his unique circumstances.
The latest addition to Trump’s line of products is a Bible that includes copies of the nation’s founding documents and lyrics from the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” by country star Lee Greenwood. The Bible is being sold for $60, and Trump is receiving royalties from its sales. The promotion of the Bible ties directly to his presidential campaign, with references to making America great again and protecting Americans’ rights. Despite being associated with Trump’s campaign, the website for the Bibles states that it has no link to the campaign and uses Trump’s name and likeness under a paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, a company owned by Trump.
Trump’s financial disclosure from 2023 shows that he is the manager, president, secretary, and treasurer of CIC Ventures, with his revocable trust listed as the sole owner. The company has been involved in various business ventures, including making more than $5 million from speaking engagements. Even though Trump appears to be complying with reporting requirements and not violating campaign ethics or financial rules, there may be strategic or brand implications associated with his business activities during the campaign. Despite questions about the ethics of this approach, Trump’s team has not provided comment on the matter.
The unveiling of Trump’s signature sneakers at a Philadelphia convention, coupled with the launch of the Bible during Holy Week, highlights the diverse range of products Trump is promoting while running for president. The Bible promotion, in particular, has received attention for its ties to Trump’s campaign messaging and the involvement of high-profile personalities like Lee Greenwood. As Trump faces financial challenges and declining campaign funds, his business ventures are becoming more intertwined with his political aspirations, creating a unique situation in modern American politics.
While Trump’s business activities during his presidential campaign may raise eyebrows, they do not appear to be breaking any laws or ethical guidelines. His licensing of products, including the Bible and sneakers, has been done within the boundaries of reporting requirements and financial regulations. Despite concerns about the potential conflicts of interest and the blending of political and financial motives, there is no clear violation of campaign ethics in Trump’s case. As he continues to push merchandise like Bibles and sneakers, Trump’s approach to combining business and politics stands out as a distinctive feature of his presidential campaign.
