Trump to utilize mugshot in presidential campaign to raise funds

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Guardian
26 Aug 2023 09:25
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Donald Trump's election campaign decides to exploit his mugshot for fundraising and merchandise.

The booking photo of former President Donald Trump released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office (AFP)

Former President Donald Trump's political campaign has taken an unexpected turn by capitalizing on his recently publicized mugshot for fundraising and merchandise creation, a report by The Guardian shows.

https://t.co/MlIKklPSJT pic.twitter.com/Mcbf2xozsY
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2023

The mugshot, released after Trump's 20-minute booking at an Atlanta, Georgia, prison is associated with charges of running a criminal racket to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

The mugshot, displaying a stern-faced Trump in his customary suit and tie, marks an unprecedented moment for a former US president.

The mugshot and generally the indictment have ignited a range of reactions. While some view it as a symbol of justice catching up to a perceived plotter, others see it as an attempt to silence a rebellious politician.

Despite the legal predicaments, Trump's campaign wasted no time in leveraging the image. On his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Trump posted the mugshot with the caption "Election interference. Never surrender!" and a link to his website for fundraising.

This move comes as Trump faces 91 criminal charges across four jurisdictions, leading to substantial legal expenses.

Trump's campaign has also embraced the mugshot for merchandise, including flasks, mugs, and T-shirts. A campaign email advertised a T-shirt featuring the mugshot, labeling it as a symbol of America's "defiance of tyranny." The merchandise initiative is seen as a potential revenue source amid mounting legal fees and an endeavor to rally his supporters as he contemplates a return to the White House.

Free Trump Merch! To be clear all profits from this on my Web Store are going to be donated to the Legal Defense Fund to fight the tyranny & insanity we’re seeing before us. Unlike many, I won’t try to profit from this but will do what I can to help. https://t.co/qUQDGg2wAB pic.twitter.com/dm6wL3Mf29
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 25, 2023

Trump's legal team appears to be pursuing a strategic approach, avoiding a speedy trial.

Trump's legal complications have not significantly diminished his influence, as he remains a dominant figure in polling and maintains a substantial online following.

His ability to command attention and mobilize supporters underscores the complex dynamics of his political impact.

As the 2024 election cycle gains momentum, the mugshot's role as a rallying point and fundraising tool could contribute to the ongoing political narrative, further intertwining legal challenges and Trump's political future. With his campaign embracing the image, the former President's legal saga takes on an additional layer of political strategy and symbolic significance.

The mugshot was taken on August 24, 2023, at the Fulton County Jail after surrendering in connection to 13 charges over his alleged role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state.

He was however later released on bail of $200,000 and is not anticipated to visit the state until the first court hearing in September.