Former President Donald Trump made a surprise appearance Saturday at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, where he interacted with young voters and launched a line of Trump-branded sneakers, the Associated Press reported. Reported.
The event was held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. President Trump's shoe launch received mixed reactions, with the president facing both cheers and boos when he unveiled the Never Surrender high-tops. President Trump: “There are a lot of emotions in this room.'' Said.
President Trump takes the stage @sneakercon GOLD sneakers in hand!! pic.twitter.com/XUrrmpmxio
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) February 17, 2024
Trump was booed when he tried to sell Trump shoes for $399.00 at Sneaker Con. pic.twitter.com/ieMjb7FCVp
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 17, 2024
Priced at $399, the gold high-tops featured an American flag motif. The launch also included promotion of the Trump-branded Victory47 fragrance, which retails for $99. according to To AP. The sale of these sneakers and fragrances is being promoted through a website that explicitly denies any connection to Trump's campaign. However, the paper said Trump campaign officials are actively promoting the event through various online channels. (Related: 'Totally disproportionate': Weisenberg throws out 'highly questionable' Trump wrongful conviction)
signed by @realDonaldTrump 💯 pic.twitter.com/fVQUuauTYq
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) February 17, 2024
The sneaker event drew a polarized audience, with Trump's detractors and supporters expressing their positions with boos and chants, the paper said. Social media users and influencers also participated.
This is what happens when you try to destroy an event that isn't just for cultists.
— Molly Ploofkins™ (@Mollyploofkins) February 17, 2024
Mr. Trump's right position is to sell shoes that no one wants. 🤷♀️
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) February 17, 2024
Some expressed support.uploaded by a user video Many fans chanted “We Want Trump” at the event.
You are) a liar! They were screaming for Trump, you're just jealous! It was a truly wonderful day! #Trump2024 https://t.co/ByfHOcbH2T
— OrgConservAmericans (@OCAmericans) February 17, 2024
president @realDonaldTrump arrive at @sneakercon!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wSqa7C3DGB
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) February 17, 2024
“We love Trump!” pic.twitter.com/kQ3ZP9dcXx
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) February 17, 2024
The marketing effort comes amid legal and financial challenges for Trump, according to the Associated Press. A New York judge recently fined Trump $355 million for years of deception about his wealth to obtain favorable deals from banks and insurance companies. This financial setback is compounded by an $83.3 million judgment on January 26, 2024, in favor of E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault and defamation.
