Pro-Trump influencers and supporters wasted no time in capitalizing on the recent shooting and assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Just hours after the incident, merchandise featuring Trump with blood on his face and a fist in the air flooded the market. Right-wing activist Candace Owens and former Trump administration official Sebastian Gorka were among the first to release shirts with the controversial image. Owens’ shirt read “For God and Country,” while Gorka’s said, “The President of America.”
Despite the backlash, influencers like David Portnoy of Barstool Sports continued to promote similar merchandise. Portnoy linked to a shirt on X made by the Southern fraternity brand Old Row, which was later removed from the site. Popular YouTubers and influencers also joined in on the trend, with The Hodge Twins releasing a shirt with the words “FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” and pledging to donate profits to Trump’s campaign.
TikTok users were not far behind, as many took to TikTok Shop to sell shirts featuring the infamous image. Some even hosted livestreams resembling TV shopping shows to promote their merchandise. Richard “FaZe Banks” Bengston of FaZe Clan endorsed Trump on X, and later the company advertised MAGA-style hats reading “MAKE FAZE GREAT AGAIN.”
The incident spurred a wave of endorsements for Trump from influencers like Jake Paul, who expressed his support and belief in Trump’s ability to bring peace and prosperity to the world. Jake’s brother, Logan Paul, also commended Trump for his defiance in the face of danger. Even controversial figures like Tristan Tate and Andrew Tate voiced their support for the former president.
It’s worth noting that Trump’s campaign wasted no time in releasing merchandise featuring his mugshot after an incident last year, but has refrained from doing so this time around. While the campaign has been actively fundraising through texts and emails, they have not capitalized on the shooting with related merchandise.
