2024 candidates capitalize on Christmas cheer as primary season nears

If you need a last-minute holiday gift, look no further than the 2024 presidential candidates.

Many of the candidates vying for the White House have offered holiday-themed merchandise in an attempt to capitalize on Christmas cheer as primary season nears.

Former President Trump has embraced the mug shot photo of him in Fulton County Jail after surrendering on charges that he interfered with Georgia’s 2020 election, The Associated Press reported.

The campaign has put his glaring mug shot on Christmas sweaters, gift wrapping paper and stockings. He is selling red and green Make America Great Again hats adorned with string lights and shirts that show Santa wearing one of his famous hats.

Trump also unveiled digital trading cards where customers who buy 47 of the cards, which are non-fungible tokens (NFTs), can get a piece of the suit he wore to jail.  

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is selling Christmas tree ornaments and “Nikki Haley for President” wrapping paper and several other items that poke at political commentary over the last year, including “Past my prime?” drink koozies that originate from Don Lemon’s comment that led in part to his departure from CNN, the AP reported.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is selling campaign-themed wrapping paper that shows an alligator wearing a Santa hat and other merchandise that touts anti-masking policies, building a wall at the southern border and taking a stab at President Biden. DeSantis also jabbed at Trump for not participating in the primary debates by selling golf balls that say he “has a pair.”

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is selling a “Nikky=Corrupt” shirt, a phrase he wrote on a notepad at the most recent debate.

Even President Biden jumped in on the holiday-themed merch. He is selling winter Biden Harris 2024 sweatshirts and mugs and several holiday items featuring his “Dark Brandon” persona including stickers and wrapping paper.

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sells merch, too. His campaign store features a shirt that reads “No shirt. No shoes. No secret service,” referencing the Department of Homeland Security’s refusal to grant his request for security.

Republican candidate Chris Christie and Democratic candidate Rep. Dean Phillips (Minn.) don’t sell any merch but there are third-party stores that sell hats, shirts and other items, the AP noted.