Unlike his hats and tee shirts, the proceeds from the sales of the products do not go to his political action fund – and are instead funnelled through an opaque web of shell companies
You too could smell just like Donald Trump, after the US President hawked a set of limited edition fragrances on his social accounts.
Trump posted on his Truth Social account last night – saying his two new fragrances – one for men and one for women – are all about “Winning, Strength and Success”.
It’s been branded a “grift” by X users, with some asking how it can be legal.
It is very unusual for a sitting president to promote products – which of any kind while in office.
Unlike his hats and tee shirts, the proceeds from the sales of the perfumes do not go to his political action fund.
Instead the cash goes through an opaque web of shell companies.
The perfume is sold by a firm (confusingly) called 45 Footwear LLC, which in turn licences Trump’s likeness and trademarks – presumably at a price – from a company called CIC Ventures LLC.
45 Footwear was originally set up to sell Trump’s infamous $399 gold hi-top sneakers – and was registered in Wyoming by Andrew Pierce, a paralegal for a company called Wyoming LLC Attorney.
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That firm specialises in setting up anonymous shell companies, according to its website.
Pierce’s name is also on shell firms set up to hawk some of Donald and Melania’s crypto ventures.
Though Trump’s name is not on CIC Ventures’ public records, its registered address is 3505 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida.
If that doesn’t ring any bells, you might recognise its other name: Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach.
In his financial disclosures ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, Trump declared he was Manager, President, Secretary and Treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC.
The same firm has licensed Trump’s image and likeness to the sneakers, a $100 silver coin bearing his face and a $59.99 “God Bless The USA Bible”, inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic rock ballad.
Both fragrances, branded “Victory 45-47” – in a way that implies he won 46 as well, which he did not – come in a commemorative bottle with a very flattering gold-coloured statuette of (presumably) Trump on the lid and his signature on the base.
The limited edition 100ml version with the statue costs an eye-watering $249 (£181) – though you can save $100 if you buy two.
A more budget-friendly edition, featuring an illustration of Trump looking manly with his fist in the air – in a pose reminiscent of the one he did after he was shot at, but not actually that picture, presumably for copyright reasons – and bearing the slogan “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” can be yours for just $199 (£145).