Summary
Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bibles, which retail for $59.99, were printed in China, contradicting his repeated assertions that he would bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and his critiques of China’s trade practices. The Bibles, produced in Hangzhou, were shipped to the U.S. in large quantities, with records indicating that nearly 120,000 copies were imported between February and March 2024, yielding potential revenues of approximately $7 million.
This situation highlights a significant disconnect between Trump’s political rhetoric and his business dealings. While campaigning for the presidency, Trump has proposed imposing substantial tariffs on Chinese goods, claiming such measures would protect American jobs. However, his partnership with country singer Lee Greenwood to market these Bibles, which include American founding documents and patriotic themes, raises questions about the sincerity of his anti-China stance. The manufacturing of the Bibles in China not only undermines his narrative but also reflects a broader trend in his various commercial ventures, where profit motives appear to take precedence over political commitments.
Production and Profit
- Cost and Revenue: The Bibles were produced at a cost of less than $3 each, with Trump earning approximately $300,000 in royalties from their sales. The marked-up retail price significantly boosts potential profits.
- Production Details: The Bibles were printed by New Ade Cultural Media in Hangzhou, with shipments labeled as “God Bless USA.” The first large shipment arrived shortly after Trump announced the partnership with Greenwood.
Political Implications
- Contradictory Messaging: Trump’s campaign has focused heavily on anti-China sentiment, yet the production of his Bibles in China raises questions about the authenticity of his commitment to American manufacturing.
- Potential Conflict of Interest: Critics have pointed out that selling products like these Bibles could be seen as a conflict of interest, potentially benefiting his campaign financially while he holds a position of political power.
Public Reaction
- Criticism from Various Quarters: The Bibles have faced backlash for their perceived exploitation of religious sentiment for profit, with some critics labeling the endeavor as a “toxic mix” of religion and commerce. Concerns about the quality of the Bibles have also been raised, with reports of poorly produced copies highlighting issues such as sticky pages and low-quality materials.
In summary, Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bibles exemplify a complex interplay between his political rhetoric and business practices, revealing contradictions that may impact public perception as he campaigns for reelection.
Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bibles were printed in China, AP review finds
Oct. 9 / Apnews / Examines the contradiction in Trump's stance on China while profiting from Chinese-made Bibles. It effectively highlights the irony but could enhance its critique of the quality and production ethics. “ WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused...
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Oct. 9 / Dailykos / Introduces the potential conflict of interest related to Trump's ventures, raising ethical questions. However, it could have included more context about the backlash from religious groups for added depth. “ Thousands of copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused of stealing...
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Oct. 9 / Pennlive / Highlights the contradiction between Trump's anti-China rhetoric and the production of his Bibles in China, offering a clear overview of the financial implications and potential conflicts of interest involved. “ WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused...
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Oct. 9 / Huffpost / Presents a comprehensive view of the situation, intertwining Trump's political narrative with his business dealings. It effectively critiques the mixing of religion and commerce, adding depth to the analysis. “ WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of copies of Donald Trump ’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused...
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Oct. 10 / Nj / Provides a concise summary of the Bibles' origins and sales. While informative, it doesn't explore the broader implications of Trump's actions, which could have provided a more nuanced perspective. “ Hillary Clinton can sum up her thoughts about Donald Trump ’s ‘God Bless the USA’ Bibles in one word. Rather, where the $59.99 Trump-backed Bible is printed...
Trump has long blasted China's trade practices. His 'God Bless the USA' Bibles were printed there
Oct. 9 / Abc News / Details the logistics of the Bibles’ production and shipment, providing valuable context. However, it lacks a critical lens on the implications of these actions, which could have strengthened the narrative. “ WASHINGTON -- Thousands of copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused of...
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Oct. 9 / Marketwatch / Offers a straightforward account of the Bibles' production and sales, emphasizing the financial aspect. However, it lacks deeper analysis of the political implications, which could enrich the narrative. “ WASHINGTON — Thousands of copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused of...
Trump’s ‘God Bless America’ bibles are imported from China
Oct. 9 / New York Daily News / Delves into the financial implications of the Bibles, effectively illustrating the profit margins involved. The article could benefit from a more critical examination of the religious and ethical dimensions. “ Former President Trump’s “God Bless America” bibles are actually manufactured in China — and sold at a huge markup. A company tied to the Republican...
Donald Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bibles were printed in China
Oct. 9 / Cbs News / Explores the quality issues of the Bibles, showcasing consumer reactions. It effectively ties these concerns back to the broader themes of profit and ethics, making it a compelling read on the topic. “ Thousands of Donald Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bibles — sold for $59.99 each — were printed in a country that the former president has frequently accused of...
Trump is threatening massive tariffs on China — where the so-called Trump Bible is being printed
Oct. 9 / Marketwatch / Highlights the stark contradiction between Trump's anti-China rhetoric and the production of his Bibles in China. It succinctly presents crucial facts, making it a solid overview of the situation. “ WASHINGTON — Thousands of copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in a country that the former president has repeatedly accused of...
Trump’s ‘God Bless the U.S.A’ Bible Was Made in China
Oct. 9 / Rolling Stone / Focuses on the financial aspects and potential conflicts of interest in Trump's business dealings. While informative, it could expand on the religious implications to provide a more rounded discussion. “ Donald Trump ’s “God Bless the USA” Bibles were printed in China. The Bibles — gussied-up editions of the King James Bible that include some of the nation’s...