26-8-2023 (LOS ANGELES) The historic mugshot of former US President Donald Trump, taken as he was arrested on multiple felony charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, is becoming a symbol and a source of merchandise for both supporters and critics.
This image, featuring Trump in a red tie with his signature hairstyle and a stern expression, has ignited a wave of products including T-shirts, shot glasses, mugs, posters, and even bobblehead dolls.
Supporters of Trump see this image as a rallying point, asserting that the charges against him are politically motivated. They are marketing merchandise featuring the mugshot, with Trump’s “NEVER SURRENDER!” mugshot T-shirts, beverage holders, and coffee mugs available for purchase. Donald Trump Jr. is also offering “FREE TRUMP” mugshot T-shirts and posters.
On the other side of the political spectrum, groups like the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump organization founded by Republicans, are selling shot glasses with the mugshot and the acronym “FAFO” (short for “F*** Around and Find Out”), which has become a rallying cry among Trump critics.
Etsy, a popular crafts website, is also host to numerous mocking products, including a parody of a Taylor Swift concert T-shirt.
Even some unaffiliated retailers are cashing in on the trend, with a Los Angeles t-shirt store already selling shirts featuring the mugshot.
Political strategists believe that this image could serve as a significant fundraiser for Trump, particularly among his fervent supporters. Despite the controversial nature of his legal troubles, Trump has consistently leveraged such situations to rally his base and raise funds through merchandise sales.
Campaigns often profit handsomely from merchandise sales, and experts suggest that campaigns can make a profit of up to 50 percent or more on such sales.
Regarding the legal rights associated with the use of Trump’s mugshot, it remains unclear what jurisdiction applies. While mugshots taken by US federal courts are generally considered public domain, state policies may vary. Several US states have “right of publicity” laws that protect individuals’ images from unauthorized commercial use.
Federal trademark laws also prohibit false advertising and endorsements. Additionally, political parody items may receive some protection under the US Constitution.
Trump’s response to the proliferation of these products was shared during an interview with Fox News Digital, where he mentioned that he only posed for the mugshot because Georgia officials insisted on it, emphasizing that he felt uncomfortable, especially when he believed he had done nothing wrong.
Whether Trump’s campaign will take legal action against the use of the mugshot is a strategic question, as it would likely be a polarizing move given Trump’s status and the multitude of products already in the market featuring his likeness.
These Shirts will be ‘mushrooming’ the next days! #MAGA #trumpmugshot #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/BKbLqLOqGk
— Lara ???????? #IStandWithTrump ❤️ (@Lara_maga47) August 26, 2023
