Donald Trump has doubled his net worth to $5.4 billion since his reelection campaign began, with a significant chunk coming from launching Trump-branded products. The latest addition is the launch of Trump Mobile, which includes a “sleek gold” phone priced at $499 and a “47 Plan” premium tier costing $47.45 a month.
The mobile phone launch was accompanied by a patriotic marketing moment, with the event held at Trump Tower in New York on the 10-year anniversary of Trump’s announcement that he would run for president. The phone is marketed as being “made in America,” but analysts doubt its authenticity.
Trump’s business ventures have become intertwined with his political identity, with many viewing them as proof of his self-made success and outsider status. His brother Donald Jr said the partnership was with “some of the greatest people in the industry to make sure real Americans get true value from their mobile carriers.”
The launch comes amid concerns about the blurred lines between business and politics, with Trump’s presidency being referred to as a “brand-franchise.” Marketing-PR guru Mark Borkowski describes it as “post-ethical politics,” where there is no separation between power and profit.
Trump’s family has expanded its real estate projects, including an 80-storey skyscraper in Dubai and plans for branded hotels in Riyadh and Jeddah. The Trump brand has also seen a surge in sales of products featuring his name and likeness, with royalty payments totaling $3m from coffee tables to watches.
Despite controversy surrounding the president’s finances, the White House claims he is transparent about his business dealings. However, Democrats have struggled to call out the interplay between politics and business, with some accusing Trump of allowing a family business to influence his presidency.
Trump’s approach has been praised by his supporters as “what they expect a deal-maker to do.” His net worth doubling in recent years reflects the success of his business ventures, which have become closely tied to his political identity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/21/trump-products-presidency-as-a-brand