Trump back in business as new online merchandise store opens
DONALD TRUMP has launched a new online shop selling campaign merchandise in a signal that he could run for president again.
It also emerged that his “Save America” political action committee has already raised $85million (£62million) in donations.
Mr Trump’s former internet store was shut down by Shopify, the e-commerce site, after the US Capitol riot on Jan 6. But three months later it is back, hosted on a Republican internet platform called Winred.
There are “Save America” signs and bumper stickers, along with “Don’t Blame Me I Voted For Trump” mugs for sale. In a text to supporters on Wednesday, Mr Trump wrote: “I’m giving YOU EARLY-ACCESS.” Sales of political merchandise have long been a successful way for Mr Trump to raise large amounts of money for campaigns.
Cash raised for “Save America” will enable him to play a prominent role in Congressional elections in 2022, and potentially the next presidential contest in 2024.
Next year, Mr Trump is expected to use his war chest to back candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives who support his agenda.
Some senior Republicans fear his fundraising will “cannibalise” their own efforts to raise money from conservative voters.
This weekend, Mr Trump will speak at the Republican National Committee’s annual spring retreat for donors in Florida, held in part at Mar-a-lago, the former president’s own club.
It is the first time he will have spoken at an event for leading Republican donors since leaving office.