After promising what he called a major announcement, Trump on Thursday revealed what he called digital trading cards that cost $99 each and depict the former president in various laughably ridiculous attire, like that of a cowboy. The images aren’t photos. Rather they’re apparently digital art — meaning someone (some guy named Clark Mitchell) sat there and assembled depictions of Trump that also show him as an astronaut.
Trump said on Truth Social that the cards “feature amazing ART of my Life & Career!” — but he’s never been an astronaut or a cowboy or some kind of costumed superhero standing in what is apparently a wrestling ring, as depicted on another card. President Joe Biden joined those mocking the ex-White House occupant-turned-hopelessly persistent social media user for the cards. “I had some MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS the last couple of weeks, too…,” a post on the president’s personal Twitter account said Thursday. That list includes that “Inflation’s easing,” “I just signed the Respect for Marriage Act,” “We brought Brittney Griner home,” “Gas prices are lower than a year ago,” and “10,000 new high-paying jobs in Arizona.”
I had some MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS the last couple of weeks, too…
✔️ Inflation’s easing
✔️ I just signed the Respect for Marriage Act
✔️ We brought Brittney Griner home
✔️ Gas prices are lower than a year ago
✔️ 10,000 new high-paying jobs in Arizona— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 15, 2022
Trump complained about the return of detained basketball player Brittany Griner to the United States following months of detention in Russia, falsely characterizing her as hating the U.S. and complaining that former Marine Paul Whelan, who is also detained in Russia, wasn’t also saved. Griner’s release was secured by a prisoner swap in which convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout returned to Russia. Griner’s safety and even life apparently just aren’t important enough to these people to warrant this action. (Other conservatives have also complained.) At least two members of Whelan’s family have criticized the conservative position. Paul’s brother David said after Donald started complaining about the Biden team’s action to save Griner that he didn’t believe Trump actually cared.
Elsewhere, Trump hasn’t actually done much to further his recently announced campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president, although polling showing the possibility of Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis beating him has continued to emerge. None of the proceeds from the digital trading cards, which are what are known as NFTs, go towards the Trump campaign. The company running the operation paid to use Donald’s name and likeness. “NFT INT LLC uses Donald J. Trump’s name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Digital LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms,” a note says.
