Trump's Holiday Merchandise Promotions Raise Pricing Concerns
Nov, 30 2025
For instance, the MAGA hat ornament was advertised at $37, while it was available for $30 on the official Trump Merchandise Store. Similarly, the Trump 2026 calendar was promoted at a 'new low price' of $32, despite being listed for $25 on the same site. Follow-up emails sent in the days leading up to Black Friday extended the offer without specifying an end date.
Additionally, a festive MAGA hat was offered at a reduced price of $35, although it retails for $28 on the official merchandise store. This pricing strategy comes as many Americans plan to reduce their holiday spending due to ongoing economic uncertainty, with a recent survey indicating that 42 percent of U.S. consumers intend to spend less on Christmas shopping compared to the previous year.
Despite claims from Trump that inflation has been nearly eliminated, essential costs such as groceries and utilities remain high, impacting consumer spending habits. The Trump administration's tariffs have also been noted to disproportionately affect lower-income households, which spend a larger share of their income on imported goods.
The holiday merchandise promotions are part of a broader trend where Trump has previously marketed various products, including guitars, sneakers, and even a cryptocurrency called $TRUMP Coin. The 2024 holiday gift guide included a range of items, from sequin shirts to pickleball paddles, reflecting an ongoing effort to monetize his political brand.