President Trump is taking some time off debating his detractors about his contentious bill, negotiating peace in the Middle East, and feuding with Elon Musk to do what he does best — sell poorly regarded merchandise.
The leader of the free world took to a social media site he owns to sell what’s being called a “rallying cry in a bottle.” Perhaps the best commentary on this entire debacle came from menswear writer and critic Derek Guy, who took to X to break it down as yet another overpriced, inadequate product from the Trump empire’s convoluted web of defunct universities and debt-ridden real estate properties.
Trump released a $250 fragrance (one for women, one for men).
— derek guy (@dieworkwear) July 1, 2025
Sometimes a fragrance can be expensive because it contains certain ingredients or involve artisanal, small-batch production. But with no note breakdown or even a description of the scent, what justifies this price? pic.twitter.com/2yTJOckJ3z
The collection of fragrances is broken into four categories. The first is a “Fight Fight Fight” cologne for men, going for $199 and recommended for “patriots who never back down.” His perfume targeted at women is called “Victory 47,” priced at a whopping $249, and it apparently captures “confidence, beauty, and unstoppable determination.” There are other scents, but you get the drift: they’re trying to make odours great again.
Derek Guy points out that the mere fact none of these products list their individual fragrance notes is proof the prices are unjustifiable. Guy goes on to suggest nobody should buy fragrances from non-enthusiasts — especially if they have a track record of selling duplicitous products and services. For comparison, The Fragrance Foundation named Tom Ford’s Bois Pacifique the top scent last year, and that goes for $240.
Let’s not forget Trump is literally a sitting president. As he brands perfume over an election that ended nearly seven months ago, there are real issues facing his nation. Even on his own page on Truth Social, the ad is sandwiched between updates on the tariff situation and his evolving feud with Elon Musk. This would be like President Biden announcing his student loan forgiveness plan, then plugging that Parks and Recreation is now on Peacock because he had a cameo. One X user couldn’t believe that with Medicare on the line for millions, this is what the president is talking about.
16 million Americans are about to lose their healthcare, but go buy my gross perfume… https://t.co/U2XSdmGwXS
— Jessica Tarlov (@JessicaTarlov) July 1, 2025
Mehdi Hasan asked directly, “How is any of this legal?” Watchdogs were already criticizing Trump for his memecoin, accusing him of using his office for personal gain. And that’s fair — if people can fall for Hawk Tuah’s memecoin, they can fall for the president’s. The president should, after all, be looking out for people who are vulnerable, not cashing in on them. But as for this fragrance, it could certainly be illegal. Government employees should not use their offices to sell personal products, and Trump is certainly alluding to his office with all the talk about “victory” and the embellishment of 45 and 47.
How is this legal? https://t.co/lfpLRiatH8
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) June 30, 2025
This entire thing is tacky. Nobody expects Trump to be classy, but the president selling merch is just a touch too far. And for everyone considering buying this product, the menswear critic has already noted there’s literally no reason to buy it unless you’re specifically worried about Trump’s finances. Let’s not forget: the president is a billionaire.
Published: Jul 1, 2025 10:38 am