Donald Trump has long criticized China, accusing it of unfair trade practices and taking American jobs. Yet, in a surprising twist, his “God Bless the USA” Bibles are being printed in China, the very country he often condemns.
A Profitable Venture
In recent months, thousands of Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bibles have been shipped from a printing company in Hangzhou, China, to eager buyers in the United States. According to a report from the Associated Press, around 120,000 Bibles were shipped between February and March, costing a total of about $342,000—making each Bible less than $3 to produce. If sold at their retail price of $59.99, the potential revenue could reach around $7 million.
These Bibles are a collaboration between Trump and country singer Lee Greenwood, famous for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.” Financial disclosures reveal that Trump has made about $300,000 in royalties from this venture, although the specifics of those earnings remain unclear.
The Bible’s Unique Features
The “God Bless the USA” Bibles aren’t your typical religious texts. They contain the King James Version of the Bible alongside important American documents, such as the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Trump promoted the Bibles in a video on his Truth Social platform, blending religious themes with his campaign messaging.
One special edition of the Bible commemorates the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump, featuring his name above the phrase “The Day God Intervened.” For fans willing to spend more, signed copies of the Bible are available for $1,000, a significant increase from the standard price.
While the Bibles are marketed on a website claiming no direct affiliation with Trump’s campaign, it states that his name and image are used under a paid license from a company he reportedly owns.
Ethical Concerns
Trump’s involvement in this venture raises ethical questions, especially as he campaigns on a platform that emphasizes American manufacturing and job creation. He has frequently called for tariffs on imports, particularly from China, proposing a 10% tariff on all imports and suggesting a 60% tariff on Chinese goods. If these tariffs were applied to his Bibles, their price could nearly double to around $96.
Critics argue that Trump’s Bible sales reflect a troubling mix of business and politics. Claire Finkelstein, a law professor and ethics expert, pointed out that the inflated prices of these products could be seen as a campaign contribution. “Selling products at prices that exceed their value raises concerns about campaign finance,” she noted, adding that the blending of religion and commerce is problematic.
The Irony of Production
The fact that these Bibles are printed in China starkly contradicts Trump’s anti-China narrative. For years, he has blamed China for undermining American interests, but now he profits from products made in the very country he criticizes.
This irony has not gone unnoticed, with critics questioning how Trump can claim to support American manufacturing while selling Bibles made overseas. During a recent vice-presidential debate, Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, praised him for supposedly reviving American manufacturing—an assertion that seems contradictory given these developments.
Oklahoma’s Bible Initiative
The situation takes another turn with a proposal in Oklahoma, where the state’s top education official has mandated that public schools include Scripture in lessons for grades 5 through 12. The state plans to spend $3 million on Bibles, initially specifying a version that matches Trump’s edition. This raises questions about whether these Bibles will be printed in the U.S. or imported from China.
This initiative could be a lucrative opportunity for Trump’s business while also stirring concerns about the legality of such a requirement in public schools.
Concerns Over Quality
Despite the promotional efforts, some consumers have expressed disappointment in the quality of the Bibles. Tim Wildsmith, a Baptist minister who reviews Bibles, was shocked by the poor craftsmanship of the “God Bless the USA” Bible he received. He noted issues like a flimsy faux-leather cover and pages that were difficult to read. “It feels more like a money-making scheme than a genuine expression of patriotism,” he said.
Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bibles highlight the complicated intersection of business, politics, and religion. While he campaigns on an “America First” platform, the fact that these Bibles are printed in China raises questions about authenticity and ethics. As potential profits from state initiatives and ongoing scrutiny of his business dealings continue to unfold, this issue is likely to remain in the spotlight.
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