"Not an Idol" Photocard Sells for 130,000 Won... "Using Election for Profit"

On the 3rd, Photo Book Released
"No Precedent of Monetizing Presidential Election Candidacy"

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has faced criticism for attempting to profit from election merchandise.

On the 8th (local time), The Washington Post (WP) reported that while campaigning, Trump has been generating significant revenue through licensing agreements that allow the use of his name and image on various products.

According to the report, since August, Trump has been selling digital trading cards featuring his image. The price is $99 (approximately 132,500 KRW), and if buyers purchase 15 or more, they receive a physical card containing a piece of the suit Trump wore during the TV debate with President Joe Biden. Additionally, purchasing 75 cards grants an invitation to a dinner held at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is introducing sneakers at a sneaker expo on February 17th (local time). [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, his photo book "Save America" was released. The photo book is said to contain key moments from his presidency. It is priced at $99, while signed copies cost $499 (approximately 668,000 KRW). Trump described the photo book as "something essential to American history." Besides this, various products such as golf shoes, perfume, ice boxes, and sandals are sold bearing his name.

WP raised concerns, stating, "The proceeds from the sales of the cards and photo book flow into Trump’s personal business rather than his campaign," adding, "No presidential candidate has ever so closely linked their campaign with personal profit-making ventures." Don Fox, former acting director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE), told WP, "There is no precedent in history, especially in modern times, for monetizing the presidency or a presidential campaign as Trump has."

Amar Musa, spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, the Democratic presidential candidate, pointed out, "Trump cares only about himself and his own interests, above anything else including the American people."

In response to the controversy, Trump campaign spokesperson Caroline Libby said, "Trump donated his presidential salary and was the first president whose net worth declined while in office at the White House," adding, "He is different from most politicians who enter politics for profit. He genuinely loves the people and wants to make America great again, which is why he is running for president."

Meanwhile, the gold sneakers priced at about 530,000 KRW, released by Trump in February, sold out within two hours. These sneakers, featuring a gold base with the American flag design, were a special limited edition with only 1,000 pairs released. At the time, Trump personally introduced the sneakers, saying, "I have wanted to do this for a long time. This is something I have talked about for 12 to 13 years, and I believe it will be a great success."