## **Trump’s Golden Branding: A Diminishing Luster**
**Love him or hate him**, Donald Trump has undeniably perfected the art of **personal branding**. Through a dazzling concoction of garish aesthetics and the persona of a celebrity-turned-world-leader, one element constantly shines through his brand: the radiant color **gold**.
### **The Symbolism of Gold in Trump’s Brand**
It’s no coincidence that gold serves as the cornerstone of Trump’s branding strategy. As highlighted in [colour theory](https://www.creativebloq.com/colour/colour-theory-11121290), gold epitomizes **wealth, power,** and **prestige**—everything Trump aspires to project. However, amidst a torrent of gaudy merchandise—including everything from gold-tinged sneakers to brassy smartphones—Trump’s once-gleaming brand is beginning to lose its luster. Nevertheless, his superfans remain entranced, eagerly awaiting each outrageous new offering.
### **Gold Merchandising: A Double-Edged Sword**
Over the years, Trump has debuted an eclectic assortment of **gold-branded items**, each dripping with ostentation. From the audacious ‘Never Surrender’ high-top sneakers to a golden ‘God Bless the USA’ Bible, there’s even an entire [Golden Age of America](https://www.trumpstore.com/collections/goldcollection/) section on the Trump Store. Recently, the introduction of a $499 gold smartphone—designed specifically for “real Americans”—has sparked controversy (though it’s still cheaper than the latest [iPhone 16 prices](https://www.creativebloq.com/tech/phones-tablets/best-iphone-16-prices)). Over time, this simplistic motif has transformed from a mere marker of **luxury** to a vibrant representation of **patriotism**—Trump’s America encapsulated in a single, controversial hue.
### **The Allure of Exclusivity**
Each of these golden products typically possesses a unique novelty that captures the imagination of Trump’s dedicated followers. They create a **bastardized vision of luxury**, balancing enough expense to feel exclusive while remaining accessible to a broader fan base. The urgency to own a piece of Trump’s legacy generates **sold-out collections** and outrageous **resale prices**, often leading to fervent demand among supporters (check out [Trump’s sneaker sales](https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/02/18/trumps-super-limited-399-gold-sneakers-reportedly-sell-out/), a testament to his brand’s enduring magnetism).
*Image credit: Getty Images 2018513552*
### **The Dangers of Over-saturation**
Despite Trump’s strong understanding of branding, the **overkill of golden products** risks diluting their appeal. This serves as a prime example of how an abundance of perceived luxury can quickly become perceived as **tacky** and even **desperate** when marketed excessively. In a world increasingly gravitating towards **minimalism** and **quiet luxury**, Trump’s gold aesthetic boldly contradicts prevailing branding trends—an unabashed **new money** approach that revels in its own gaudy nature.
*Image credit: Getty Images 1230785506*
### **Conclusion: The Future of Trump’s Brand**
While Donald Trump’s branding exploits may be inching towards a tacky nadir, the tenacity of his fanbase shows no signs of wavering. With a blend of **exclusivity**, **urgency**, and an unwavering devotion to patriotism, Trump’s golden brand may continue to shine, albeit in a way that reflects changing societal values.
For additional insights into branding and merchandise, take a look at how **merch shaped the 2024 presidential election**. If you’re intrigued by the latest design trends, explore our deep dive into [anti-design](https://www.creativebloq.com/design/graphic-design/what-is-anti-design-the-trend-that-tears-up-the-rule-book) and its impact on modern branding.
