In an unexpected twist of entrepreneurial leaps, former U.S. President Donald Trump has dipped his metaphorical toes into the world of religious literature. Amid his struggle to once again gain a stronghold at the helm of the White House, Trump has opened a new chapter in his diverse portfolio by adding a special edition of the Bible to his roster of enterprises.
An impassionate call to arms for his American legion of supporters was delivered by the business tycoon turned politician on Tuesday. In a video released on his Truth Social platform, Trump led the charge in promoting the “God Bless the USA Bible”. The Bible borrows inspiration from the patriotic ballad of beloved country singer Lee Greenwood, whose omnipresent anthem is a mainstay at Trump’s public gatherings and rallies.
“As we look toward the deep reverences of Good Friday and the triumphant joys of Easter, I strongly encourage you all to procure a copy of the God Bless the USA Bible,” Trump announced, steering his followers towards a website where the holy book is available for sale at $59.99.
Behind this religious campaign is an astute businessman battling financial stress brought on by escalating legal fee clouds looming over his horizon. Trump faces four criminal indictments accompanied by a gamut of civil charges. Yet, on a brighter note, an appeals court in New York granted him a temporary respite by deferring the collection of the colossal sum of more than $454 million if he manages to pull together $175 million within 10 days. This petering out of enforced dues comes on the heels of a significant $92 million bond that Trump posted in relation to defamation lawsuits levied by writer E. Jean Carroll.
Through this latest venture, Trump is provoking the power of collective prayer, saying, “We must make America pray again. All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I am proud to endorse this one.”
The Bible, available on a specific web portal, distinguishes itself as “the only Bible endorsed by President Trump,” promising the convenience of large print and a slim design allowing for easy reading. The book, apart from the King James Version translation of the religious text, houses copies of documents significant to American history such as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. It also features a handwritten chorus of Greenwood’s famous song.
Though an unexpected move, this foray into religious literature isn’t a massive leap for Trump, whose plethora of business ventures keep growing even amidst his relentless campaigning. Previous endeavors range from golden high-end sneakers and captivating fragrances to more recent forays into the digital world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), selling trading card imagery of himself in various fun avatars.
While his influence and profitability loom large over this novel endeavor, the website associated with the “God Bless the USA Bible” ensures potential buyers that neither Trump nor any of his direct affiliates own, control, or manage the site. Use of Trump’s name and likeness falls under a paid license provided by CIC Ventures LLC, a company Trump disclosed owning in his 2023 financial disclosure. This licensing agreement extends to existing ventures like 45Footwear, among others.
Tabloid queries on the details of Trump’s licensing deal and his potential profits per book sale went unanswered.
Trump’s popularity endures among white evangelical Christians despite controversy surrounding behaviors that challenge the teachings of Christ. This peculiar twist in Trump’s entrepreneurial endeavors and his growing business empire thus demands close observation as historical and political significance intermix with an iconic holy scripture in an equally iconic businessman’s hands.
