Trump's Merchandise Empire: A Powerhouse Worth $300M

0:00It's April 10th. You're listening to Sydney News today, AI Power Local News. I'm Corey with The Story. Trump's merchandise game has ballooned into a powerhouse worth over $300 million a year. Official items like diamond-studded gold watches for $100,000 mixed with hats, shirts, and bobbleheads. This ecosystem fuels his movement, turning supporters into walking billboards for Make America Great Again. People sales don't just pat campaign funds. They line Trump's and his family's pockets directly. He's aggressive about protecting the brand, firing off cease and desist letters, and winning trademark lawsuits against knockoffs. Back in 2015, he trademarked the slogan first, spending nearly $3 million on hats alone before the election. Third-party sellers have exploded the market, setting up dozens of Trump's stores across 22 states. Those pivot from kites or carnivals to hawking flags, aprons, even pinia colada-scented car fresheners, shaped like his face.

1:01Owners say it spreads divide, like free yard signs that rally boats. Lately, post-assassination attempt items and blood smear collectibles popped up, alongside new drops like $400 never surrender. Sneakers and digital trading cards netting over $1 million. Ethics experts flag conflicts, noting no other president monetizes office like this. All this unofficial buzz still polishes the Teflon brand, keeping Trump front and center no matter who sells what.