Former President Donald Trump promoted his new “Never Surrender High-Tops” merchandise during a surprise appearance at Sneaker Con on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia.
Trump appeared onstage with a pair of golden sneakers while a crowd of attendees both cheered and booed the former president.
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A website highlighting several Trump sneakers was launched just before he appeared onstage. The “Never Surrender High-Tops” cost $399 and are available for pre-order with a limit of three per purchase. Perfume, cologne, and two other pairs of sneakers are also available for purchase on the website.
Trump gave brief remarks at Sneaker Con, speaking for less than six minutes — a typical Trump campaign speech lasts roughly 90 minutes.
“We have to go out and we got to get young people out to vote,” Trump said as the crowd vacillated between cheering and yelling at him. “And you’re going to vote, and we’re going to turn this thing around. This country’s not doing so well.”
During his remarks, Trump invited a passionate fan onstage with him. The woman wore a Trump 2024 hoodie and repeatedly told him, “I love you,” and, “We need you.”
“I think she’s more of a political person than a sneaker person, but whatever,” Trump quipped as he invited her to join him.
Sneaker Con is the largest convention for sneaker enthusiasts in the United States. Attendees of the event generally tend to be younger voters, many of whom are men — a key group Trump will need to win the presidency for a second time.
He tacitly attempted to win their votes by appearing at the event.
“We’re going to turn this country around fast,” Trump said. “And we’re going to remember the young people, and we’re going to remember Sneaker Con.”
The crowd, however, appeared to be a mix of rowdy supporters and critics. Trump acknowledged the tension as he concluded his remarks.
“A great honor to be invited,” he said. “It’s a slightly different audience than I’m used to. But I love this audience.”
Trump’s sneaker deal comes one day after a New York judge ordered the former president to pay over $350 million after a lengthy civil fraud trial.
President Joe Biden‘s reelection campaign slammed Trump’s appearance and his sneaker deal in a statement.
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“Donald Trump showing up to hawk bootleg Off-Whites is the closest he’ll get to any Air Force Ones ever again for the rest of his life,” communications director Michael Tyler said.
Later on Saturday, Trump will speak at a “Get Out the Vote” rally in Waterford Township, Michigan, ahead of the state’s primary election on Feb. 27.