The recent financial disclosure documents released by the Federal Election Commission provide an insight into former U.S. President Donald Trump’s earnings this year. The disclosure, which is over 250 pages long, lists all of Trump’s incomes, investments, debts, and business interests. One interesting revelation from the documents is that Trump has trademarked his name for lingerie products in China, among other items like shower caps and white sackcloth robes for priests and pastors. Several trademarks for the Trump name have been registered in China for various purposes, including health spa services, children’s clothing, and computerized file management. Additionally, trademarks for restaurants and construction projects in China were filed under his daughter Ivanka Trump’s name.
In January, Trump admitted that at least four of his businesses earned $5.5 million from China during his first two years in office as president. This revelation prompted a Democratic report accusing him of violating the U.S. Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting money or gifts from foreign governments without Congress’s permission. Trump defended himself during a Fox News town hall, stating that he was providing services to Chinese clients who were paying for stays in his hotels. He also complained during his 2016 presidential campaign about having to buy Chinese goods, accusing China of stealing U.S. jobs.
Aside from lingerie trademarks, Trump’s financial disclosure documents revealed some unconventional sources of income. For example, he cashed in over $300,000 for endorsing The Greenwood Bible and the Letters to Trump Book, which yielded $4.47 million in royalties. The documents also showed that Trump owes over $100 million from various lawsuits. In addition, Melania Trump’s income from speaking engagements, non-fungible token licensing agreements, and rent received from real estate properties was highlighted in the disclosure.
Trump also holds trademarks under his name in other countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. This global presence of his brand highlights the extent of his business interests and intellectual property holdings. Overall, the financial disclosure documents shed light on the diverse sources of income that Trump has tapped into since leaving the presidency. The documents provide a comprehensive overview of his finances, investments, debts, and business activities, giving the public a glimpse into the financial dealings of the former U.S. president.
