The Retail Presidency

There’s a long history of former US presidents enriching themselves upon leaving office.

Whether one approves or disapproves of this practice, former presidents usually become popular corporate board members, event speakers, and authors.

Until now, there had never been a president who so openly, cavalierly tries to enlarge his personal fortune while in office.

But here we are with the current president, whose attempts to make money off of his presidency is unprecedented.

It is likely you have received email trying to sell you a plethora of presidential merchandise.

Wallets.

Watches.

Hats.

Candy bars.

Teddy bears.

His organization is currently rolling out gold-plated cellphones costing $499, while simultaneously issuing tariffs on foreign-made phones.

It is hard to know what is sadder – the fact that a sitting president of the United States is so crass and greedy that he sells branded merchandise while in office, or that millions of people buy these items.

Many problems arise from having a US president actively engaging in personal commerce.

It gives the impression that the president is for sale.

America is not for sale.

The true patriots who fight and bleed for our country’s freedom,

The men and women who fashion laws and statutes in the hopes that we can live freer and easier lives,

The lawyers and judges who respect the rule of law,

The citizens who won’t bow down to a would-be king,

Are not for sale.

The president has a history of being a poor businessman.

He’s failed at the following businesses:

· An airline

· Casinos

· A vodka distillery

· A board game maker

· Magazine publishing

· Premium steaks seller

· Luxury travel search engine

· A for-profit university

The world depends on America to be a leader and a pacesetter in many areas. We cannot afford to have a leader who sells things for personal enrichment.

One prays for the day when his followers will see him for the pitiful charlatan he is and no longer clamor to buy cheaply made, high-priced merchandise because his name is attached.