Fact Check: Royalty Payments for Trump's Merchandise
What We Know
The claim states that Donald Trump's royalty payments include $3 million for a coffee table book titled "Save America," $2.5 million for Trump Sneakers and Fragrances, $1.3 million for The Greenwood Bible, and more than $1 million for the "45" Guitar. According to a financial disclosure form filed by Trump, these figures are accurate. The document, which covers the calendar year 2024, details various sources of income, including substantial royalty payments from merchandise associated with Trump's brand (USA Today, Yahoo Finance, Daily Mail).
The specific amounts mentioned in the claim are corroborated by multiple sources. The breakdown of the royalty payments is as follows:
- $3 million for the coffee table book "Save America"
- $2.5 million for Trump Sneakers and Fragrances
- $1.3 million for The Greenwood Bible
- More than $1 million for the "45" Guitar (Yahoo Finance, Daily Mail).
Analysis
The financial disclosure form is a credible source of information, as it is a formal document filed by Trump that outlines his income and liabilities. The details regarding the royalty payments are consistent across various reputable news outlets, including USA Today, Yahoo Finance, and the Daily Mail, which all report similar figures (USA Today, Yahoo Finance, Daily Mail).
However, it is important to note that while the sources reporting these figures are reputable, the context of Trump's financial dealings often raises questions about transparency and ethical considerations. The involvement of family members in his business ventures, particularly in cryptocurrency, has also been scrutinized (Daily Mail). Despite these concerns, the specific claim regarding the royalty payments is well-supported by the available evidence.
Conclusion
The claim that Donald Trump's royalty payments include $3 million for a coffee table book "Save America," $2.5 million for Trump Sneakers and Fragrances, $1.3 million for The Greenwood Bible, and more than $1 million for the "45" Guitar is True. The figures are directly sourced from Trump's financial disclosure and corroborated by multiple reputable news outlets.
