Former President Donald Trump has ventured into a new business endeavor by selling Bibles, aiming to target his supporters as he campaigns for a return to the White House. Trump, who recently became the presumptive Republican nominee, released a video on his Truth Social platform urging his followers to purchase the “God Bless the USA Bible,” inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad. The Bible is being sold for $59.99 and includes various patriotic elements like the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Trump’s endorsement of the Bible is part of his push to “Make America Pray Again” as Holy Week approaches.
This move by Trump comes at a time when he is facing financial challenges due to mounting legal bills from criminal indictments and civil charges. A New York appeals court recently agreed to delay collecting over $454 million from Trump in a civil fraud case if he puts up $175 million within 10 days. Despite these financial hurdles, Trump has continued to engage in various commercial ventures while campaigning for the presidency. From releasing a line of Trump-branded sneakers to dabbling in NFTs (nonfungible tokens), Trump has not shied away from leveraging his popularity for business opportunities.
The Bible endorsement is just the latest in a series of ventures that Trump has pursued as he seeks a return to power. Last month, he launched a line of Trump-branded sneakers, including high-end designs priced at $399. Additionally, Trump has explored the NFT market and released books featuring his time in office. While these ventures may appear to be politically motivated, the website for the Bible clarifies that it is not tied to any political campaign. The venture behind the Bible, God Bless the USA Bible, emphasizes that it is not affiliated with Trump or his organizations.
CIC Ventures LLC, a company owned by Trump, has a licensing deal with both the Bible venture and the footwear company that produces Trump-branded shoes. This arrangement allows the companies to use Trump’s likeness and name for commercial purposes. Despite Trump’s controversial history and behavior that may conflict with Christian teachings, he maintains a strong base of support among white evangelical Christians. His appeal to this demographic, along with his business acumen, has enabled him to continue pursuing commercial endeavors while staying active in politics.
Trump’s promotion of the Bible reflects his efforts to appeal to his base of supporters through religious messaging. While he has faced criticism for his past actions and statements that may not align with traditional Christian values, Trump’s endorsement of the Bible underscores his desire to maintain strong connections with evangelical voters. As he navigates legal challenges and campaigns for the presidency, Trump’s business ventures serve as a reminder of his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to capitalize on his image for financial gain. The convergence of politics and commerce in Trump’s latest venture highlights the complexity of his public persona and the diverse interests that he continues to pursue.
