Former President Donald Trump’s surprise appearance at the highly acclaimed “Sneaker Con” event in Philadelphia on Saturday drew a mixed reception from the crowd. As he introduced the first official Trump-branded sneakers, he was met with both boos and cheers at the event. The gold high-tops with an American flag detail on the back, marketed as “Never Surrender High-Tops”, are currently being sold for $399 on a new website alongside other Trump-branded shoes and “Victory47” cologne and perfume.
The launch of the footwear came on the heels of a court ruling in New York ordering Trump and his company to pay a staggering $355 million in penalties for falsifying his wealth over the years. The legal debts, including payment to writer E. Jean Carroll for defamation after her sexual assault allegations against Trump, are estimated to exceed half a billion dollars.
The air was charged with emotion as attendees at the sneaker event expressed their support or opposition to Trump’s presence. Many were surprised by the announcement and continued to shop as a crowd gathered around the stage. Notably, the event attracted a younger and more diverse audience compared to Trump’s typical rally crowds.
This venture is not Trump’s first foray into commercial ventures, having previously engaged in a variety of business endeavors. The new website selling the Trump-branded sneakers is operated by CIC Ventures LLC, a company listed in Trump’s 2023 financial disclosure.
The controversial presence of the former president at the sneaker event incited strong reactions, including a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler. Trump’s subsequent rally in Michigan, where he denounced the recent court judgment and reaffirmed his intentions to appeal, points to the critical role of battleground states in the upcoming elections.
This unprecedented event underscores the evolving convergence of politics, entertainment, and commerce in the contemporary landscape of American public life, providing a testament to the enduring influence of figures like Donald Trump. Whether this stint in the sneaker business will contribute to Trump’s political future is yet to be seen.