It’s only been four days since an Oswald-like assailant tried to snuff him out, and, already, a Donald Trump-associated website appears to be profiting off the former President’s almost-death.
Yes, for the low, low price of $299, you can now own a pair of FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT High-Tops, the likes of which come with an image of Trump’s blood-streaked face and an American flag stamped on the heel. The shoe’s name and image obviously references Trump’s defiant roar, which he made to a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, only seconds after he dodged a shooter’s bullet. Now you can forever remember that terrifying moment with an expensive shoe.
“These limited edition high-tops, featuring Trump’s iconic image with his fist raised, honor his unwavering determination and bravery,” the shoe’s website states. “With only 5,000 pairs available, each one is a true collector’s item. Show your support and patriotic pride with these exclusive sneakers, capturing a defining moment in history.”
The shoes are currently available on gettrumpsneakers.com, which describes itself as being owned by CIC Ventures LLC. While the site specifies that Trump Sneakers are “not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, or any of their respective affiliates or principles,” the Associated Press has reported that Trump disclosed ownership of CIC in a 2023 financial disclosure. It is unclear whether Trump still owns the company. Gizmodo reached out to the site for more details.
Everything associated with Trump gets monetized eventually, which makes sense since Trump, himself, is little more than a walking, talking brand. Far be it from me to tell Trump—or a company he owns, or that he used to own—that he can’t make money off his own near-death experience, but the photographer who took that photo might take issue.
Shoes aside, the attempt on Trump’s life already appears to be impacting the U.S. presidential race and America’s political atmosphere. In the wake of the violence, both Democrats and Republicans have paid lip service to the idea of “toning down the rhetoric” (presumably, when politicians say this, they are promising to stop constantly referencing each other as either Russian sleeper agents or baby-eating Satan worshippers). Whether the two sides will stick to this healthy suggestion is anybody’s guess but, for the moment, it’s vaguely relieving to see them playing nice.
