Cost of MAGA merch skyrockets —thanks to Trump

On Thursday, a new report revealed that MAGA merchandise sold at the Republican Midterm Convention has been hit by inflation. According to the Bulwark, not only have prices climbed on mementos championing President Donald Trump – who repeatedly promised on the 2024 campaign trail that he’d bring down prices “on day one” – but pro-MAGA retailers have seen general sales decline as Trump’s approval rating has plummeted.

Costs have shot up following Trump’s decision to launch war with Iran, and as the Bulwark writes, “It turns out that not even campaign merchandise is immune to inflation. Many of the same kinds of campaign items Trump’s GOP was selling while their man was campaigning on a promise to fix everything in 2024 have gotten noticeably more expensive in 2026.” For example, the t-shirts promoting the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee were $35, but cotton tees for the Republican midterm convention in Dallas this week are $40, and they no longer include a chest pocket. In 2024, a tumbler cup was $30. Now, the RNC sells virtually the same ones for $5 more.

At the same time, the Bulwark notes that Democratic merch prices have remained “surprisingly steady. A rainbow Pride flag donkey tee is $32 in 2026, just as it was in 2024. Their 'Good Trouble' mug honoring civil rights icon and former Georgia Rep. John Lewis has stayed even at $20. If you want a Republican mug instead, you’ll need to shell out $10 more.”

According to the Bulwark, “Trump-themed swag retailers outside the FEC-regulated merchandising sphere are feeling a financial strain, as the Wall Street Journalreported last week, although inflation isn’t the only factor: The president’s historic levels of unpopularity may also have something to do with their woes. Many MAGA-centered merchandise retailers and their suppliers are seeing sales dwindle, according to interviews with wholesalers, sales representatives, business owners and employees. As the president’s approval rating hovers near all-time lows, imperiling Republicans’ control of Congress, store owners blame a stagnant economy and weaker MAGA enthusiasm for lower sales. Some stores are closing permanently.”

Despite the suffering economy, argues the Bulwark, “The Republican party’s official merchandise operation shouldn’t need to jack up its product prices, because political donations, which is what their sales are, are about volume, not wringing extra dollars out of individual sales. And the volume will come naturally provided the campaign itself has the right appeal. But squeezing individual buyers for a few extra bucks becomes more attractive when voter enthusiasm — and with it, donor volume — is on the decline.”