Former President Donald Trump has been promoting exclusive Black Friday 'deals' on his signature MAGA merchandise, but an investigation has revealed these offers were actually more expensive than the standard prices on his official website.
Questionable Discounts on Holiday Items
Emails sent to Trump's mailing list from November 24 promoted special offers on seasonal items including a Christmas tree ornament of a red MAGA hat, a 2026 MAGA calendar, and wrapping paper featuring Trump in a Santa hat. The communications, first uncovered by Meidas Touch Network, claimed the president felt 'extra thankful' for his supporters and encouraged them to 'snag' these limited-time deals.
However, a comparison with the official Trump Merchandise Store website showed the Black Friday promotions were anything but deals. The email offered the MAGA hat ornament for $37, while the same item was available for just $30 on the official store - a price difference of nearly 20 percent.
Pattern of Inflated Pricing
This pricing discrepancy extended to multiple products in the Black Friday promotion. The Trump 2026 calendar was advertised at a 'new low price' of $32 in the email campaign, yet customers could purchase it for just $25 through the regular merchandise site.
Similarly, supporters were offered a 'new low price' on a festive MAGA hat featuring Christmas lights and trees for 'just $35'. The identical hat retails for $28 on the official merchandise store.
Follow-up emails sent in the days leading up to Black Friday and again on November 29 announced that the offers had been 'extended', though no end date was specified.
Broader Economic Context and Merchandising Strategy
This pricing strategy emerges as many Americans are tightening their holiday budgets. A recent Economic Impact Survey commissioned by Nationwide insurance found that 42 percent of U.S. consumers plan to spend less on Christmas shopping than they did in 2024.
Despite Trump's claims that he has 'almost eliminated inflation completely', stating at a recent event that 'we're down now to 2 percent', many households continue to struggle with high costs for essentials like groceries, utilities, and rent.
The Christmas merchandise represents the latest in a series of products Trump has marketed to his supporters since returning to office. Previous offerings have included:
- Gold high-top sneakers
- Branded watches and Bibles
- $TRUMP Coin cryptocurrency
- Guitars and various apparel items
The 2024 Trump holiday gift guide featured premium items including $150 sequin shirts, a $550 'bling' clutch, and $95 baubles shaped like Mar-a-Lago. The White House directed inquiries about the president's merchandise prices to the Trump Organization.
