In a surprising revelation, nearly 120,000 copies of Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in China and shipped to the United States earlier this year, despite his frequent criticism of China’s trade practices.
According to records reviewed by The Associated Press, a printing company in Hangzhou, China, was responsible for producing the Bibles between February and March. The total estimated value of these shipments was $342,000—equating to less than $3 per Bible.
This production decision stands in contrast to Trump’s campaign messages and public statements, which often emphasize the importance of “buying American” and penalizing companies that outsource production overseas.
The revelation raises questions about the alignment of Trump’s business actions with his political rhetoric, given the former president’s well-known “America First” stance.
Financial Gain vs. Political Messaging
The Trump-backed Bibles, which retail at a minimum price of $59.99, could potentially generate around $7 million in sales revenue.
The largest and most recent shipment of 70,000 Bibles arrived at the Port of Los Angeles on March 28, just two days after Trump announced his collaboration with country singer Lee Greenwood to promote and sell these Bibles.
The sharp contrast between production costs and retail prices reveals a significant markup, allowing for a substantial profit margin. Critics argue that this move undermines Trump’s previous accusations against China for “stealing American jobs” and reflects a prioritization of financial gain over political integrity.
The Trump campaign has not commented on the matter, despite multiple inquiries. This incident adds to a growing list of instances where Trump-branded products have been produced outside the U.S., including clothing and other merchandise, despite Trump’s repeated calls for American-made goods.
Impact on Public Perception and Campaign Strategy
The decision to manufacture the Bibles in China may affect public perception, especially among Trump’s supporters who align with his anti-China and pro-American manufacturing stance.
Although moving production to China may have economic benefits, some voters might view it as hypocritical given how the former president promoted the “America First” values.
However, due to Trump’s collaboration with Lee Greenwood, who is well-known for his patriotic song of the same name, the demand for the “God Bless the USA” Bible is still high.
The collaboration capitalizes on a loyal supporter base and an appetite for products associated with Trump’s brand, even as questions linger about the location of production.
This development serves as a reminder of the complexities of balancing political rhetoric with business practices, highlighting how global economic realities sometimes conflict with campaign promises.
As the campaign season progresses, Trump’s critics and rivals are likely to leverage this information, questioning his commitment to the “America First” agenda he continues to champion.