Former President Donald Trump may soon find himself in hot water, this time over a copyright issue with his latest piece of merchandise, the “Fight Fight Fight” watch.
Trump launched “The Official Trump Watch Collection” late last month, noting in a post to social media that they would be a “great Christmas Gift.” The watches, much like his shoes, hats, and knives, feature the former president's image in one scenario or another.
The watches, which Trump said feature “premium, Swiss-Made materials,” include “intricate details” and retail between $799 and $100,000.
One of the watches being sold by the former president is even said to include an engraving of Trump raising his fist in Butler, Pennsylvania, after being shot by a gunman in an attempted assassination.
However, this watch may not come to be, as the Associated Press says it owns the rights to the photo used for the engraving, and didn't give permission for its use. The AP shared with WIRED that it is currently seeking a cease and desist against the company behind the watches, Wyoming-based TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC.
The photo was taken by the AP’s Evan Vucci, a Pulitzer Prize-winning chief photographer. While Vucci told WIRED he did not personally own the rights to the image, the AP confirmed earlier this month that it did.
“AP is proud of Evan Vucci’s photo and recognizes its impact,” AP spokesperson Nicole Meir shared in a statement. “We reserve our rights to this powerful image, as we do with all AP journalism, and continue to license it for editorial use only.”
Luckily for him, the other watches being sold by Trump do not feature the same image, meaning only one variation of them is at the center of the controversy.
Trump is not a stranger to selling merchandise as the former president has changed the game for politicians and marketing their image through his selling of MAGA hats, shirts, flags, and more non-traditional items like sneakers, NFTs, survival knives, and trading cards.
The LLC behind the watches has commented on the cease and desist from the AP. Though on its website it does say it has nothing to do with Trump’s campaign.
“Trump Watches are intended as collectible items for individual enjoyment only, not for investment purposes,” the site says. “These watches are not political and have nothing to do with any political campaign.”