Donald Trump's top economic advisor has suggested a novel solution to the president's call for lower credit card costs: a branded "Trump card" offered voluntarily by banks, which could circumvent the need for a nationwide interest rate cap.
A Voluntary Alternative to Legislation
Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, revealed the idea during an appearance on Fox News's "Mornings with Maria" on Friday, 16 January 2026. He indicated that the Trump administration had already engaged in discussions with major financial institutions.
"Our expectation is that it won't necessarily require legislation because there will be really great new Trump cards presented for folks that are voluntarily provided by the banks," Hassett stated. This proposal follows President Trump's demand the previous week for credit card companies to limit interest rates to 10 percent, accusing them of ripping off American consumers.
Hassett claimed that CEOs from several large banks believed the president was "on to something" with a "great idea," though he provided no specific details about the proposed card's terms, benefits, or interest rates.
The Expanding Empire of Trump Branded Goods
The concept of a Trump credit card fits into a well-established pattern of commercial ventures leveraging the presidential brand. Over recent years, Trump has endorsed or launched a wide array of products, with varying degrees of success.
Financial disclosures from the Office of Government Ethics in June 2025 showed the president's merchandise sales exceeding $10 million. The breakdown included:
- Trump Watches: Generating $2.8 million.
- "Save America" coffee table books: Earning $3 million.
- Sneakers and fragrances: Combining for $2.5 million in profit.
- Greenwood Bible sales: Totalling $1,306,035.
- "45" branded guitars: Making $1,055,100.
Mixed Results for Presidential Merchandise
However, not all ventures have met expectations. The promised golden T1 mobile phone, priced at $500 and touted as being built in the United States, has yet to materialise. Trump Mobile continues to accept $100 deposits despite shifting release dates and manufacturing plans.
Similarly, Trump's watch line, featuring models like the "Fight Fight Fight Malachite" and "Mugshot Suit Collectible" priced from $499 to $799, has faced customer backlash. Reviews on TrustPilot in October 2024 averaged just 2.7 stars, with numerous complaints labelling the operation a "scam" due to delivery issues.
Other products include the "Never Surrender" high-top sneakers launched at $399 in 2024, and limited-edition American Eagle guitars retailing for between $1,500 and $10,500, unveiled in November 2024.
Implications and Unanswered Questions
The "Trump card" proposal raises significant questions about the intersection of personal branding, consumer finance, and presidential influence. While presented as a market-driven alternative to regulation, critics may view it as an attempt to monetise policy positions.
The success of such a card would depend entirely on the willingness of banks to participate and the competitiveness of its terms compared to existing products. With details still scarce, it remains unclear whether this idea will advance beyond the conceptual stage or join the list of branded ventures facing operational challenges.
For now, the suggestion underscores the ongoing and unique commercial dimension of the Trump presidency, where policy announcements and brand extensions continue to be closely intertwined.
