Staff Reports
In a display of questionable taste, high-top sneakers emblazoned with an image of the moment former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt are being peddled online for nearly $300. The shoes are found on a website dubiously named Trump Sneakers—the same site that arrogantly cashed in on Trump’s patriotic mugshot with their “Never Surrender” high-tops earlier this year.
These new kicks feature Trump, defiant as ever, raising his fist after surviving the assault at his rally. The U.S. flag, a symbol of freedom and resilience, is slapped onto the back of the sneakers like a cheap afterthought. Is the next trend going to be Biden-themed ice cream cones? One can only imagine.
A company is now selling $299 sneakers showing an image of Donald Trump with streaks of blood on his cheek and pumping his fist in the air after he was the target of an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. https://t.co/g4w2wsfETN
— WKRG (@WKRG) July 18, 2024
Trump Sneakers insists that these shoes are not sold or endorsed by Trump or the Trump Organization. They even go so far as to claim they are “not political” and have no ties to any political campaign. Yet somehow, they decided it was perfectly fine to capitalize on a moment of national tension and turn it into a fashion statement. The website also promises that 10 of these pairs will be randomly autographed, as if a scrawled signature might validate their otherwise blatant opportunism.
Only 5,000 pairs of these shoes will be made, each one to be created on demand. So, for the low, low price of $300, you too can own a piece of manufactured political memorabilia that serves no purpose other than to exploit an act of violence for profit.
Amusingly, though, it’s not all bad news. The free market works in mysterious ways, and other vendors are also quick to capitalize on the iconic image of Trump’s narrow escape. A t-shirt featuring the photo and the phrase “Trump 2024” has skyrocketed to the top of Amazon’s “Men’s Novelty T-Shirts” category. If failing upward were an art form, these entrepreneurs would be the Picassos of our time.
As for Trump’s official campaign merchandise, they’re steering clear of this ghoulish cash grab. Instead of revelling in the macabre, they’ve updated their shop to sell “Trump-Vance” shirts and hats, signalling the former president’s team-up with running mate Sen. J.D. Vance. At least some people are sticking to promoting policy over peril. Click here, indeed.
