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Donald Trump launches new business venture: 0,000 diamond-encrusted watches
Albany

Donald Trump launches new business venture: $100,000 diamond-encrusted watches

During his third presidential campaign, he sold Bibles, sneakers, photo books and cryptocurrencies. Now Donald Trump is launching a new business venture: diamond-studded watches.

The Republican presidential candidate unveiled the “Official Trump Watch Collection” on Thursday. The most expensive watch, with 122 diamonds on the bezel and three 18-karat gold versions, costs $100,000. Another “Fight Fight Fight” model is listed for $499.

Trump has peddled a range of branded products since his White House campaign began in 2024, following his long tradition of combining his political and business interests. The release on Thursday, 40 days before Election Day, could open him up to criticism for monetizing his campaign, particularly as he argues that Vice President Kamala Harris is out of touch with Americans’ economic problems.

While websites for the various products note that proceeds from their sales do not directly benefit Trump or his campaign, they also note that each product is subject to a “paid license agreement.” This is the same mechanism that allowed Trump to profit for years from selling water, vodka and steaks long before he entered politics.

Earlier this week, he announced the sale of $100 silver coins featuring his face. In March, before Easter, Trump posted a video on Truth Social urging his followers to spend $59.99 on a “God Bless the USA Bible” inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad was. Trump takes the song to the stage at each of his rallies and has performed with Greenwood at events.

In February, he hawked new Trump-branded sneakers at Sneaker Con, an event that bills itself as “the biggest sneaker show in the world.” The shoes, shiny gold high-tops with an American flag detail on the back, are being sold as “Never Surrender High-Tops” for $399 on a new website that also lists other Trump-branded shoes as well as cologne and perfume “Victory47” sells for $99 a bottle.

Trump has also dabbled in NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, reporting last year that he made between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of digital trading cards depicting him in cartoon-like images, including as an astronaut, Cowboy and superhero.

Some of those items, including coins, sneakers and Bibles, were listed as being affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump said he owned in his 2023 financial disclosure and that has a similar agreement with 45Footwear, which also says it is Trump’s “Names” used. Likeness and Image under a paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked in accordance with its terms and conditions.”

The items were put up for sale as part of a $489 million civil fraud judgment against the former president, which a New York appeals court on Thursday appeared ready to reduce or vacate.

According to a disclaimer on a sales website, the watches are subject to a similar agreement to license Trump’s name, image and likeness, and the proceeds from their sales do not go to Trump’s campaign or the Trump Organization and “are not designed, manufactured or distributed.” or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, or any of their respective affiliates or principals.”

Instead, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC — the company listed as the distributor — says it is using “Trump’s” name, likeness and likeness under a paid license agreement, which can be terminated or revoked according to its terms. Trump watches are intended as collectibles for individual enjoyment only, not for investment purposes.”

A Trump campaign spokesman referred questions about the licensing agreement to the Trump Organization, which did not immediately return a message seeking comment. TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC also did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the deal via its website.

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