KEY POINTS
- Donald Trump has launched a sneaker line just a day after a judge ordered him to pay over $540 million.
- He was met with loud boos and cheers at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia.
- The attendees skewed younger and more diverse than Trump’s usual rally crowds.
Donald Trump launched his new sneaker line sneaker Con in Philadelphia, a gathering that bills itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth”. Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
The website says it has no connection to his campaign, though Trump campaign officials promoted the appearance in online posts. It suggests the merchandise is available for three days.
The duelling chants made it difficult, at times, to hear Trump speak. Some held signs that read “SNEAKERHEADS LOVE TRUMP”.
Donald Trump’s appearance was met with clashing boos from his detractors and chants of “USA!” from supporters who arrived at the sneaker event decked out in Trump gear. Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
“There’s a lot of emotion in this room,” Trump said of the reaction, after holding up and showing off a pair of gold shoes, then placing one on each side of his podium.
Trump’s campaign is hoping he will be able to win over more young and minority voters, particularly young Black men, in a likely rematch against President Joe Biden in November.
Some Trump supporters held signs that read “SNEAKERHEADS LOVE TRUMP”. Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
This isn’t the first money-making venture Trump has announced since launching his third campaign for the White House in 2022.
“The Never Surrender sneakers are your rally cry in shoe form,” the description reads. “Lace-up and step out ready to conquer.”