In a gathering that bills itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth,” former President Donald Trump made an unusual appearance on Saturday to promote new Trump-branded sneakers. The 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 sells other Trump-branded shoes and “Victory47” cologne and perfume for $99 a bottle.
Despite the website claiming no connection to Trump’s campaign, Trump campaign officials promoted the appearance in online posts. The unannounced launch came a day after a judge in New York ordered Trump and his company to pay a $355 million penalty for lying about his wealth for years. With interest payments, Trump’s legal debts might now exceed a half-billion dollars.
Trump’s appearance was met with clashing boos from his detractors and chants of “USA!” from supporters. Despite the mixed reaction, Trump expressed confidence that the new venture would be a big success. Many in the audience said they were not from the city and instead hailed from nearby states and Washington, D.C. The attendees skewed younger and more diverse than Trump’s usual rally crowds.
This event is not the first money-making venture Trump has announced since launching his third campaign for the White House in 2022. The new sneaker website is run by CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure.
The website describes the sneakers as a limited-edition, numbered “true collector’s item” that is “Bold, gold, and tough, just like President Trump.” Despite questions about the event, including whether Trump was paid to attend, a Trump spokesman did not respond. Among those in the crowd were Trump supporters who praised how he interacted with the crowd and expressed enthusiasm for the new sneakers.
