Donald Trump, a former US president, has released a set of digital trading cards featuring him as various characters, such as a superhero, astronaut, and Nascar racer.
“These limited edition cards feature outstanding ART of my Life & Career,” declared Mr. Trump.
The billionaire began his third campaign for president last month.
This week, he said he would make a “big announcement,” which led to rumors.
A probable running mate for his presidential campaign was anticipated by certain observers.
Instead, Mr. Trump uploaded a promotional video to his Truth Social social media page.
The video showed an animated representation of the former president in front of Trump Tower in New York, ripping open his shirt to reveal a superhero suit with the letter T imprinted on it while lasers shoot out of his eyes.
The non-fungible tokens (NFTs), according to Mr. Trump, are “very much like a baseball card, but hopefully far more entertaining,” as he stated later on Truth Social.
The cards, which cost $99 (£81) each, “would make a terrific Christmas gift,” he continued.
Additionally, purchasers will be placed into a contest with a chance to win prizes like a gala dinner or a round of golf with Mr. Trump. Although they lack a physical form of their own, “one-of-a-kind” assets in the digital world can be bought and sold like any other item of property.
They can be compared to ownership certificates for tangible or digital things.
Mocked move
Social media users have criticized the move, and prominent Republicans have added their voices to the chorus.
Right-wing media analyst and former senior strategist for Mr. Trump Steve Bannon said on his podcast on the NFTs, “I can’t do this anymore.” He continued, “Everyone involved in the project ought to be fired now.
US President Joe Biden said on Twitter that he had “some MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS the last few of weeks too,” in an apparent jab at Mr. Trump. He said this included easing inflation and signing a marriage protection bill.
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
Others conjectured that the selling of NFTs was done to raise money for Mr. Trump’s ongoing legal fights.
The NFTs website states that the money would not be used for his presidential campaign.
The statement read:
“These Digital Trading Cards are not political and have no connection to any political campaign.”
The statement continued, “Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Digital LLC, or any of its respective principals or affiliates, are not owners, managers, or controllers of NFT INT LLC.
