Thousands of copies of former US President Donald Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible were printed in China, a country that Trump has repeatedly accused of stealing American jobs and engaging in unfair trade practices, The Washington Post reported citing The Associated Press (AP).
According to the global trade records reviewed by the AP, a printing company in China’s eastern city of Hangzhou shipped close to 120,000 of the Bibles to the US earlier this year.
Reportedly, the estimated value of the three separate shipments was USD 342,000 or less than USD 3 per Bible, according to databases that track exports and imports.
Moreover, the minimum price for the Trump-backed Bible is USD 59.99, keeping the potential sales revenue at nearly USD 7 million.
The connection between Trump’s Bible and China explained Trump’s harsh anti-China rhetoric and his efforts to raise money for election campaigning.
The Trump campaign, however, did not respond to emails and calls for comment on the matter.
The former US president posted a video on his Truth Social platform in March, announcing a partnership with country singer Lee Greenwood to hawk the Bibles, inspired by Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” hit song.
Trump, in his video, blended religion with his campaign message as he urged viewers to buy the Bible.
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“This Bible is a reminder that the biggest thing we have to bring back in America, and to make America great again, is our religion,” Trump said.
However, Trump did not mention where the “God Bless the USA” Bibles were printed, how much they cost, or how much he earns per sale.
Moreover, Trump’s Bibles are sold exclusively through a website that states it is not affiliated with any political campaign nor is it owned or controlled by Trump.
According to the website, Trump’s name and image are used under a paid license from CIC Ventures, a company Trump reported owning in a financial disclosure released in August.
Trump has been slamming China for being an obstacle to America’s economic success, slapping hefty tariffs on Chinese imports. He has also blamed China for the COVID-19 outbreak and recently suggested, without evidence, that Chinese immigrants are flooding the US to build an “army” and attack America.
(With inputs from agencies)
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