Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has announced the launch of a new business venture amidst his third campaign for president. This new venture involves a collection of diamond-encrusted watches known as the “Official Trump Watch Collection” unveiled by Trump recently. One of the watches in the collection is priced at $100,000 and includes 122 diamonds on its bezel, available in three 18-karat gold styles. Another model in the collection called “Fight Fight Fight” is listed at $499.
Since the commencement of his 2024 White House campaign, Trump has been promoting and selling various branded products, following his pattern of intertwining his political endeavors with business interests. The launch of the watch collection just 40 days before Election Day has the potential to draw criticism for commercializing his campaign, especially as he highlights Vice President Kamala Harris’ alleged detachment from the economic struggles of Americans.
The websites selling these products clarify that the proceeds do not directly benefit Trump or his campaign but are subject to a “paid license agreement.” This business model has enabled Trump to profit from a range of products even before entering politics, including water, vodka, and steaks.
Earlier this week, Trump introduced $100 silver coins featuring his face. In March, he encouraged his supporters to purchase a “God Bless the USA Bible” for $59.99 in a video released on Truth Social ahead of Easter. Furthermore, he marketed Trump-branded sneakers at a sneaker event in February and ventured into NFTs, earning substantial amounts from digital trading cards.
The watches are associated with a licensing agreement that allows the use of Trump’s name, image, and likeness, with proceeds not going to his campaign or organization. The watches are intended for individual enjoyment as collectible items and not for investment purposes, according to TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC, the sales entity listed.
Various products affiliated with Trump, including the watches, are sold through companies like CIC Ventures LLC and 45Footwear, under licensing agreements that may be terminated as stipulated in the terms. Despite a recent civil fraud judgment against Trump, these products continue to be available for sale.
For inquiries regarding the licensing deal, the spokesperson for the Trump campaign redirected questions to the Trump Organization, which did not provide an immediate response. Similarly, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC did not respond promptly to inquiries made via its website regarding the deal.
