Throughout his campaign, Trump starts a new company: $100,000 timepieces
The backdrop for this business endeavor is a recent $489 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, which a New York appellate court is reportedly considering reducing or reversing.
Donald Trump is continuing to blend his political ambitions with business ventures by launching the "Official Trump Watch Collection," featuring diamond-encrusted timepieces.
The collection, revealed just 40 days before the upcoming Election Day, includes a lavish model with 122 diamonds on the bezel, priced at $100,000, along with a more affordable "Fight Fight Fight" model available for $499.
This move is part of a broader strategy that Trump has employed since announcing his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, where he has marketed various branded products, including Bibles, sneakers, photo books, and cryptocurrency.
The launch of the watch collection may invite scrutiny regarding Trump's practices of monetizing his campaign, especially as he critiques Vice President Kamala Harris for being out of touch with everyday Americans' financial struggles.
Despite assertions that proceeds from these sales do not directly benefit Trump or his campaign, they are subject to a “paid license agreement,” allowing him to profit from these ventures.
This mechanism has historically enabled Trump to generate revenue from various products, including water, vodka, and steaks, long before he entered politics.
Recently, Trump has also released $100 silver coins featuring his likeness and a “God Bless the USA Bible” priced at $59.99, inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood's patriotic anthem.
In February, he debuted “Never Surrender High-Tops,” shiny gold sneakers priced at $399, and announced a range of Victory47 cologne and perfume for $99 a bottle during a sneaker convention.
Trump has also ventured into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), earning between $100,000 and $1 million from digital trading cards depicting him in various whimsical scenarios.
Many of these products, including the watches, are linked to CIC Ventures LLC, a company Trump owns, which has a licensing agreement allowing it to use his name, image, and likeness.
A disclaimer on the watch sales website clarifies that the watches are not designed, manufactured, or sold by Trump or his affiliated organizations. Instead, they are marketed by TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC, which similarly operates under a paid licensing agreement with Trump.
The backdrop for this business endeavor is a recent $489 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, which a New York appellate court is reportedly considering reducing or reversing.
As this new collection launches, questions about the licensing agreements and the specifics of the products remain unanswered, as inquiries to both the Trump Organization and TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC have not received responses.
