With US citizens in a frenzy in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s assassination attempt, what would be an ideal course of action? That’s right — buy some limited-time sneakers! First, we had absurdly priced trading cards and NFTs. Now, the political superstar has sought to profit off his own assassination attempt, and to no one’s surprise, it’s working! On Official President Donald Trump Footwear, the white version of the FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT High-Tops sneakers has already been sold out — at $299 each.
As of writing, a black variation of the “assassination attempt sneakers” is still available but will likely be sold out within 48 hours, if not less. To be fair, the footwear looks decent (maybe not worth $299) with the “Fight ×3” logo on the side of the shoes. What is most intriguing or disturbing, depending on how you look at it, is the photo of Trump pumping his fist in the with blood on his face. Those who watched the scene from July 13’s campaign rally will know this picture was taken after Trump’s ear was shot off, causing quite a bloody mess.
While Donald Trump is a former President, he is first and foremost a tycoon businessman, making this marketing stunt rather expected. However, many do not think profiting off merch at the expense of the death of former fire chief Corey Comperatore is in good taste. His triumphant fist-pump pose at the rally — once thought to be an encouragement to the public has now become a selling icon for some easy cash from supporters.
“Shameless grifter,” says one user from Reddit’s r/politics. “It’s really hard to remain somber and pensive about the event when he’s so cartoonishly evil,” another commenter chimes in. “You wouldn’t dare write fiction like this.” One clever Redditor uses the commonly known ‘make lemonade’ expression with their own spin for Donald Trump: “When life gives you assassins, sell overpriced and cheaply manufactured sneakers. I wonder if Trump’s debut album will drop before the election.”
This sneaker merchandise, on top of the possible boost in his campaign ratings, might explain why Trump was so oddly pleased with himself after the assassination attempt. Still, the concept of “someone died; let’s make some money off it” is not something most rational individuals would view as being in good faith.
