Donald Trump, never one to shy away from a sales pitch, is back with his latest venture: Trump digital trading cards. In a video advertisement, the former president enthusiastically promotes his new America First series, promising “50 all new stunning digital trading cards”. If the idea of Trump holding bitcoin or dancing in a virtual setting excites you, then you’re the target audience for this product. But for most of us, it’s yet another head-scratcher.
However, there’s a twist. Trump, unlike many other candidates, has positioned himself as a champion of cryptocurrency—calling himself the “crypto president” and offering digital cards that can be bought with crypto. In a political landscape where Democrats should be leading the charge for financial freedom and innovation, Trump stands out as the only candidate supporting crypto, which makes it clear the Democratic Party needs to step up on this issue. Yet, despite this, it’s hard to overlook the absurdity of Trump’s latest endeavor.
For $99 per digital card—a price that Trump proudly notes has been consistent from the beginning—you can join the Trump collector family. But wait, there’s more! If you buy 15 or more cards, you’ll receive a “beautiful physical trading card” containing a “piece of my suit that I wore for the presidential debate”. Yes, you read that correctly. Trump’s infamous “knockout suit” will be chopped up and distributed among his fans, and five lucky buyers will get autographed pieces. If that doesn’t scream “collector’s item,” what does?
This is a real video Donald Trump just posted pic.twitter.com/YigJ26hrAf
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) August 27, 2024
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And for the truly committed, purchasing 75 digital cards earns you an invitation to a gala dinner at Trump’s country club in Jupiter, Florida. According to Trump, it’ll be “tremendous,” with a promise of “fun times” with other loyal collectors. What more could you ask for? It’s a package deal—crypto, collectibles, and a night with Trump.
A History of Scams and Failed Businesses
But while Trump tries to sell these digital trading cards as pieces of history, we can’t forget his long history of failed ventures and scams. His business track record reads like a cautionary tale:
- Trump University: Marketed as a way to learn Trump’s secrets to success in real estate, this “university” was ultimately sued for fraud. Trump agreed to settle for $25 million in 2016 after numerous students claimed they were misled. (Source)
- Trump Steaks: Launched as premium cuts of meat sold through The Sharper Image (yes, that store known for tech gadgets), Trump Steaks was a complete flop. The product was discontinued after being mocked and failing to attract buyers. (Source)
- Trump Airlines: In 1989, Trump took out massive loans to buy Eastern Air Shuttle, rebranding it as Trump Shuttle. The airline struggled financially and was eventually dissolved in 1992, with Trump defaulting on loans. (Source)
- Trump Vodka: Released in 2006, Trump Vodka was marketed as “success distilled,” but it failed to make an impact in a competitive market. By 2011, production had ceased entirely. (Source)
- Trump Casinos: Trump’s casino empire in Atlantic City was once the crown jewel of his business holdings. However, by 2004, several of his casino businesses had filed for bankruptcy, and by 2016, all of his Atlantic City casinos had closed. (Source)
- Trump Network: This multilevel marketing scheme sold vitamin supplements. Launched during the 2009 recession, the business collapsed a few years later after failing to gain traction. (Source)
Despite all of these failures, Trump continues to market himself as a business genius. And now, he’s pushing digital trading cards as his latest moneymaker. It’s almost impressive—his ability to move from one failed venture to the next without a hint of shame. Most people would be embarrassed by this track record, but Trump? He doubles down and finds new ways to cash in on his name.
No Shame, No Limits
At this point, it’s clear the man has no shame. Where most people might retreat in embarrassment, Trump charges forward with confidence, trying to sell new products to anyone with a pulse and a wallet. Whether it’s failed universities or overpriced digital cards, Trump’s endless willingness to commercialize his brand has no bounds.
So, while he touts his latest “collector’s items,” it’s hard not to reflect on how Trump has left a trail of failed businesses and broken promises in his wake. And yet, he continues, undeterred, by simply moving on to the next hustle.
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
