Trump-Backed 'God Bless the USA' Bibles Printed in China

Donald Trump-backed "God Bless the USA" Bibles were printed in China, according to the Associated Press, despite the former president's criticism of U.S.-China trade.

The "God Bless the USA Bible," named after the Lee Greenwood song often played at Trump rallies, is marketed as "the only Bible endorsed by President Trump." While its website claims no political campaign affiliation, the product is widely known as the "Trump Bible" due to his promotion.

Global trade records obtained by the AP show that around 120,000 copies were shipped from Hangzhou, China, to the U.S. between early February and late March. The estimated value of these shipments was less than $3 per Bible, totaling $342,000. The minimum cost for the "Trump Bible" is $59.99, indicating potential sales revenue of about $7 million.

Many Bibles are printed in China, but this revelation contrasts with Trump's stance on the country. The Trump campaign did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

Trump's Criticism of China Trade

During his presidency, Trump engaged in a trade war with China, later criticizing the Chinese government's COVID-19 response and using the term "Chinese virus," which many considered racist and harmful to Asian Americans (as previously reported by USA TODAY).

The 2024 Republican platform advocates for reducing essential goods imports from China and halting Chinese investment in U.S. real estate and industries. Trump's campaign speeches frequently present China as a competitor, calling for increased U.S. manufacturing, energy production, and AI development.

President Joe Biden has maintained many of Trump's tariffs on China and increased some, but Trump has proposed a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, with financial experts agreeing that consumers largely bear the cost of tariffs.

Controversy in Oklahoma Schools

Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters recently requested $3 million to provide Bibles in every public school classroom, in addition to $3 million from last year. Bid documents revealed vendor specifications closely mirroring Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, known as the "Trump Bible."

Legal experts warned that the original rules could be seen as "bid rigging" and violate the Oklahoma constitution by using taxpayer money to benefit one political candidate, as reported by The Oklahoman. Vendor requirements have since been loosened, allowing separate provision of Bibles and other documents.

Trump's Spin-off Enterprises

Throughout his 2024 presidential bid, Trump has promoted various collectible items, including:

• Trump Watches
• Trump coins
• Trump sneakers
• NFT trading cards depicting him in various scenarios

Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, Michael Collins, David Jackson, John Fritze, Jonathan Limehouse, David Jackson