Donald Trump has introduced his own sneaker brand just a day after a New York judge ordered him to pay $354.9 million in penalties for inflating his net worth to deceive lenders.
At Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, Trump unveiled what he described as the inaugural Trump footwear, facing a mix of boos and cheers from attendees. The shoes, gold high tops adorned with an American flag detail, are marketed as “Never Surrender High-Tops” and retail for $399 on a newly launched website, which also offers Trump-branded Victory47 cologne and perfume for $99 per bottle.
Although the website claims no affiliation with Trump’s campaign, online posts by Trump campaign officials promoted the Sneaker Con appearance.
Following the court ruling, Trump lambasted Justice Arthur Engoron, alleging an “election interference ploy” and labelling the decision as part of a “left-wing conspiracy” to hinder his potential presidential bid. Trump’s remarks, made at a campaign rally in Michigan, reiterated his unfounded claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
Justice Engoron’s ruling also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years, citing a “complete lack of contrition and remorse” from Trump and his co-defendants.
The ruling stems from allegations by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Donald Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by billions of dollars annually over a decade to secure more favourable loan terms.
Facing multiple state and federal criminal trials, including one set to commence on March 25 in New York over alleged hush money payments to a porn star, Trump is poised to become the first former US president to stand trial on criminal charges.
Trump’s rival for the Republican presidential nomination, Nikki Haley, criticised him following the court ruling, emphasising his legal troubles as a barrier to effective leadership.
Haley, who held an event in South Carolina, accused Trump of neglecting to address the death of Alexei Navalny, Russia’s prominent opposition leader. Navalny’s death prompted condemnation from Western leaders, attributing blame to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At her rally, Haley denounced Trump for aligning with Putin in the past and referenced his recent remarks suggesting leniency towards Russia’s actions regarding NATO members.
As Trump progresses towards securing the Republican nomination, Haley remains steadfast in her candidature, focusing on her home state’s primary on February 24, where she trails Trump in opinion polls.