Perhaps no political figure in U.S. history understands the power of promotional products more than President Donald Trump.

Look no further than the iconic “Make America Great Again” hat, which has become one of the most recognizable branding symbols in the world. But the marketing opportunities don’t stop there – Trump has inked many licensing deals allowing companies to sell products using his name and likeness.

And he has cashed in to the tune of more than $600 million just last year alone, according to financial documents released earlier this month – the first disclosure of his assets since Trump returned to the White House.

In addition to covering income from crypto, golf clubs and other ventures, the financial documents show that the president has profited off a wide range of branded merchandise, including:

  • Trump watches ($2.8 million)
  • Trump sneakers and fragrances ($2.5 million)
  • Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” Bible, which is “officially endorsed” by the singer and Trump ($1.3 million)
  • “45” guitar ($1 million)


Trump also listed $1.16 million in income from his NFTs while First Lady Melania Trump earned around $216,700 from licensing fees on her own NFT collection, Reuters reported.

  • Arguably the wackiest of the Trump merch collection was just released last week: a T-shirt emblazoned with his own mug shot and captioned “DADDY.”


The Driving Force

ACE Specialties (PPAI 641972, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 56 distributor, has been the official merchandise provider for the Trump campaign since 2015.

While studying biology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Christl Mahfouz worked at local eatery Edie’s Biscuits. Upon her graduation, Donald Mosing, longtime president of global oil services company Frank’s International and a regular at Edie’s, suggested that she start a company selling safety products to the oil industry. Mahfouz took his advice and hit the ground running, quickly growing ACE Specialties thanks to the connections she made at the restaurant.

Christl Mahfouz
I went from almost losing everything to being a part of this amazing campaign.”

Christl Mahfouz

President, ACE Specialties

Business ramped up even more after she partnered with a software developer in Utah to create an online portal where clients could purchase workwear and safety gear, as well as polos, cups, hats, safety awards and other promo products.

In 2014, the market collapsed. “Clients halted all purchases,” Mahfouz says. “I woke up one day and realized I couldn’t pay my bills. I tapped out every credit card, got shark loans with high interest rates just trying to make ends meet and make payroll. I had to let go of pretty much all my staff.”

Heading into 2015, Mahfouz says her CPA advised her to file for bankruptcy. But that wasn’t an option. After building her business for the better part of a decade, she refused to give up.

“All I could do at that moment was turn to God,” she says. “I began to pray four, five, 10 times a day. I’d get on my knees in the corner and ask God to open the door and show me the light.”

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On June 16, 2015, Mahfouz had an epiphany as Trump rode down the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his initial presidential campaign. She says visions of “Women for Trump,” “Team Trump” and “Veterans for Trump” all popped into her head. She made a bunch of samples, printed them and overnighted them to Trump Tower with the hope of landing a meeting.

It didn’t take long for her to receive an email, asking if she could be there three weeks later for the pitch of a lifetime.

The Art Of The Deal

Mahfouz and her neighbor traveled from Cajun Country to New York City, bringing T-shirts, onesies, dog apparel, hats, bumper stickers, yard signs and cups – all made in the USA.

“I was nervous,” she says. “This was make or break.”

While Mahfouz was setting up her display, Ivanka Trump walked in, praised the assortment of American apparel and gave a high five. With that vote of confidence, Mahfouz was ready to win over the rest of the campaign team, which she did in short order. Eric Trump was so impressed, she says, he told someone to bring his father into the room.

The future president reviewed all items, suggesting edits and marveling at the color choice (“We’re going to win with this red”) and the bumper stickers (“Don’t change a thing”).

“He asked how fast I could get it done,” Mahfouz recalls. “I told him to give me a week, and we’ll be ready to go. Not only will we source and manufacture everything in the United States, we’ll warehouse it and ship all the orders as they come through and we’ll handle customer service.

“He said, ‘Looks like you have a deal.’ He took the bumper stickers and left the boardroom. We got to work. I like to say that was the day the MAGA brand was born.”  

It’s no exaggeration to say that being part of the Trump campaign changed Mahfouz’ life. Her business exploded, allowing her to not only bring back but also increase her staff.

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In addition to still designing most Trump items, ACE Specialties has expanded its client base to a vast portfolio of Republican candidates, helping them raise money through merchandise sales. The company, which has become a go-to source of USA-made promo products and apparel, works on the backend of many candidates’ websites, offering a print-on-demand service.


“I went from almost losing everything to being a part of this amazing campaign,” Mahfouz says. “We’ve had a front row seat to history. Last year, I purchased my own 40,000 square foot building and was able to lay out all of the equipment and everything the way I wanted it.

Troy Trembly, Midwest regional sales manager at Gill Studios, PPAI 100’s No. 22 supplier, has worked closely with ACE Specialties for years.

“ACE is careful to choose suppliers like Gill-line that they know are proudly American-made and are even up front about all components,” Trembly says.

Troy Trembly
Christl didn’t start out at the top. She has helped people all along the way of her journey to success.”

Troy Trembly

Midwest Regional Sales Manager, Gill Studios

“Once you start dealing with ACE, you get very familiar with the whole team, which even includes family. You become an extension of that family. Christl didn’t start out at the top. She has helped people all along the way of her journey to success. I know she has raised a lot of money for St. Jude’s, helped people in her small hometown and created a lot of job opportunity. She helps you grow as a supplier, too.”

With Trump’s continued focus on “Made in America,” Mahfouz believes the future is brighter than ever. “This year, we’re hoping to expand our print-on-demand and fulfillment services,” she says. “Hopefully, I’m an inspiration to others to never give up.”