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Donald Trump with the latest must-have for the MAGA fan

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP

First digital trading cards or expensive photo books - now sneakers: Former US President Donald Trump advertised gold-colored sneakers over the weekend. The ankle-high sneakers with a US flag and the letter T for Trump cost 399 US dollars (around 370 euros) and are called “Never give up”. At the launch of the shoes in the metropolis of Philadelphia, Trump said: "I have some incredible people working with me and they came up with this."

He believes – not surprisingly – that the whole thing will be a great success. It should be noted, however, that other expensive licensed products, such as steaks or vodka with Trump's likeness, were not able to establish themselves on the market.

According to the website, the shoes are not "designed, manufactured, distributed or sold" by Donald, his Trump Organization or affiliated companies. However, the shoe company uses Trump's name, image and likeness as part of a licensing agreement.

According to the site, the gold-colored shoe is already sold out. »Only 1000 pairs will come onto the market. Each pair is numbered. A real collector's item," it says. In addition to these shoes, other Trump sneakers and Trump perfume are also sold on the website.

Illustrated books, trading cards – and a hefty fine

Trump regularly causes a stir by selling expensive fan merchandise. A year ago he presented a collection of trading cards for fans. For $99 a piece there were glorified digital drawings: Trump in a superhero costume (abs included), Trump on a white horse and US flag, Trump on a blue and red elephant. The Republican has also published illustrated books and a book of letters to him.

After the presidential election in November, the 77-year-old wants to move into the White House again for the Republicans. Just on Friday, he was ordered to pay more than $350 million in fines within 30 days. The civil case was about the future of Trump's corporate empire. Prosecutors accused Trump, his sons and employees of manipulating the value of the Trump Organization for years in order to obtain cheaper loans and insurance contracts. The judge had already confirmed this before the trial and now announced the sentence. Trump has announced an appeal.

jok/AFP