Former U.S. President and Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the Family Research Council’s Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington, D.C., September 15, 2023.
Jonathan Ernst | Reuters
Donald Trump on Tuesday began promoting a line of costly Bibles in partnership with country music star Lee Greenwood, whose song “God Bless the USA” is ubiquitous at the former president’s political rallies.
“All Americans need Bibles in their home, and I have many of them,” Trump said in his speech video at Truth Social announcing a business deal.
“It’s my favorite book. It’s a favorite book of many people,” he said.
“Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing in this country and I truly believe we need to bring them back,” he added. “This is one of the biggest problems we have. That’s why our country is going mad – we’ve lost religion.”
The ubiquitous sacred Christian text belongs to this world best selling books, and churches are often happy to give them away for free. You can also read the Bible for free on many websites and apps, not to mention hotel rooms and other places.
“God Bless the USA Bible” costs $59.99, not including shipping and other fees.
For this money, buyers get a lot of additional features that aren’t often available in regular Bibles.
According to the website, the Trump and Greenwood Bible, a King James translation, includes a duplicate of the “handwritten chorus” to Greenwood’s eponymous hit.
The site also includes the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
According to the website, it’s “the only Bible” endorsed by Trump or Greenwood. He adds that it’s “the ONLY Bible inspired by America’s most recognizable patriotic anthem, God Bless the USA.”
The text can be printed in a big font that highlights Jesus’ words in red, in response to the page.
It was not immediately clear how much money Trump and Greenwood received for the promotion, which fell during Holy Week, a sacred time for Christians.
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, also promoted sneakers, perfumes and digital trading cards in a bid to unseat Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump (left) with singer Lee Greenwood during a rally at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, November 4, 2019.
Mandel Ngan | Af | Getty Images
The partnership comes at a very tumultuous time for Trump’s funds.
Recently, Trump’s net value skyrocketed by billions of dollars following a successful merger that allowed his media company to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.
But he cannot money in his shares in the company for months. In the meantime, he has just days to post $175 million in appellate bond that may stop New York State from enforcing a $454 million civil fraud judgment against him.
Trump can be fighting other harsh civil judgments, including a federal jury verdict ordering him to pay $83.3 million for defaming the author E. Jean Carroll after she accused the former president of raping her years ago.
Meanwhile, Trump’s political fundraising effort lags far behind the Biden campaign’s efforts. Trump said Monday that he “maybe” would put his own money into the White House offer.
An internet site selling Trump-backed Bibles says none of its proceeds will go to Trump’s campaign.
The website says it’s “not political in nature and has nothing to do with any political campaign.”
“GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not owned, operated or controlled by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Ventures LLC or any of their respective principals or affiliates.”
Rather, it says it has a license from CIC Ventures to make use of Trump’s name, likeness and likeness.
Trump’s 2023 funds disclosure shows he has earned over $5 million from speaking engagements through CIC Ventures.
