Speaking of cons, former president Donald Trump appears to have found a new way to cash in on the flurry of court action. Just a day after being ordered to pay at least $355 million in his New York civil fraud trial, he was selling shoes at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia.
“This is something I’ve been talking about for 12 years, 13 years, and I think it’s going to be a big success,” Trump said as he presented the golden abomination that was the $399 “Never Surrender High-Top Sneaker” at the Saturday event.
The shoes, along with two $199 low-top sneakers, and a $99 bottle of cologne called “Victory47,” are sold on a new website. The high-top sneaker, which was of course described as “Super Limited” with only 1,000 pairs for sale, sold out just hours after the launch.
And one lucky(?) guy walked out of the event with a signed pair for a whopping $9,000.
This man paid $9000 for autographed Trump sneakers. 🤦♂️
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 18, 2024
What's wrong with people?pic.twitter.com/zWsadPfv4f
According to the website, the products are “trademarks of CIC Ventures LLC. Trump Sneakers are not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals. 45Footwear, LLC uses the Trump name, image and likeness under a license agreement.”
What it doesn’t mention is that Trump also owns CIC Ventures, per a 2023 financial disclosure.
Nothing more fun than tracking down Trump's latest grift. For his sneakers, he's getting a fee paid to CIC Ventures, which he owns, by 45Footwear LLC, which is purportedly the shoe manufacturer. That is based in Sheridan Wyoming, in this rundown house in a grimy shopping mall. pic.twitter.com/wt4X2ScSxr
— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) February 18, 2024
Perhaps that simply means that the proceeds will not go to Trump’s presidential campaign or his PACs, and just to Trump via CIC Ventures. The website does say that the new sneaker venture “is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign.”
Information for this story was found via Axios, CNN, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.