President Donald Trump has released a special-edition coin featuring his own image to mark his 80th birthday, as part of a licensing deal between his family and the UFC drawing fresh scrutiny over the MAGA supremo’s business dealings.The “Freedom 250”-themed medallions, sold as silver and gold versions on a website called “Trump Coins,” range from roughly $250 to nearly $12,000. The pricier option comes with a holder featuring portraits of Trump and UFC chief Dana White. The site also claims more than 1,000 five-star reviews.
Source: realtrumpcoins
The pricing places the products far above the value of their underlying metal content, a common feature of commemorative collectibles marketed to political supporters and brand loyalists.The Trump Organization is only licensing the president’s brand for the coins, not making or selling them directly. But the collaboration fits a familiar pattern: Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr , have previously put his name on phones, fragrances, cryptocurrency and golf courses, raising questions about how the family profits from the presidency.The coin website asserts it is selling “the only officially licensed Donald J Trump medallions on the market,” warning that other Trump-themed products “might be unlawful” and have “no actual connection” to the president.When asked about Trump’s role in designing and marketing the coins, White House spokesman Davis Ingle rejected any suggestion of a conflict of interest.“The Fake News’ continued attempts to fabricate conflicts of interest are irresponsible,” Ingle said, adding that Trump “only acts in the best interests of the American public.”The Trump Organization did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.The coin launch comes as a predecessor to the UFC fight Trump has scheduled and has been hyping for his birthday at the White House. He even personally oversaw the construction of a massive staging area on the South Lawn called “The Claw”.Two Virginia residents have filed a lawsuit seeking to cancel the event, arguing it is less about celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and more about enriching Trump and White. A federal judge has given the administration until Tuesday evening to respond.