Former President Donald Trump, known for his strong stance against China’s trade practices, has recently come under scrutiny for having thousands of copies of his “God Bless the USA” Bible printed in China. This revelation exposes a stark contrast between Trump’s anti-China rhetoric and his decision to manufacture his merchandise in the country he criticizes.
According to global trade records examined by The Associated Press, a printing company in Hangzhou, China, shipped nearly 120,000 copies of Trump’s Bible to the United States between February and March. Despite the estimated production cost of less than $3 per Bible, the selling price is set at $59.99, potentially generating around $7 million in sales revenue.
The Trump-endorsed Bible, which features patriotic American elements like the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, was promoted through a video released on Trump’s Truth Social platform. In the video, Trump emphasised the importance of religion in making America great again and defended Judeo-Christian values against perceived threats.
While the Trump campaign declined to comment on the Chinese production of the Bibles and revenue details, it was revealed that Trump’s name and image are licensed for use in the Bible through a paid agreement with CIC Ventures. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering Trump’s financial stake in the business.
Critics have raised objections to the Trump Bible, citing concerns about the fusion of religion and state, as well as the quality of the product itself. Some reviewers noted poor craftsmanship, such as sticky pages and lack of printing information, indicating a priority on profit over product quality.
The decision to print the Bibles in China, a country Trump frequently berates for its trade practices, has sparked controversy and highlighted potential ethical implications. The episode underscores the complexity of Trump’s intersection of business, politics, and personal branding, fueling debate about the intertwining of commerce with political messaging.
In the midst of evolving discussions surrounding Trump’s merchandise ventures, the production and sale of the “God Bless the USA” Bible serve as a focal point for broader reflections on the ethics of political figures engaging in commercial enterprises, particularly when juxtaposed with their public policy positions.