Former US President Donald Trump launches ‘MugShot’-themed NFT drop

“Never surrender!” the former U.S. president wrote.

The announcement of former United States President Donald Trump’s third nonfungible token (NFT) drop, titled “MugShot,” is a unique and controversial development in the intersection of politics and digital assets. This collection, centered around the theme of Trump’s ongoing criminal indictments, represents a novel approach to both political messaging and the use of NFTs.

According to the December 12 announcement, these trading cards, priced at $99 each, can be purchased using either credit card or Wrapped Ether (wETH). Notably, the NFTs are not transferable until December 31, 2024, and all purchasers must provide Know Your Customer (KYC) information, regardless of their payment method. This requirement indicates a level of regulatory compliance often associated with financial transactions.

The collection’s website highlights the historical significance of the event depicted in the NFTs, referencing Trump’s formal arrest in Fulton County, Georgia, on August 24, 2023. The website describes this as the “first-ever mugshot of a United States President,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the situation.

An intriguing aspect of this NFT drop is the incentive offered to buyers who purchase 47 or more digital trading cards. These buyers are promised a piece of the suit Trump wore in his mugshot and an opportunity to have dinner with him at Mar-a-Lago. This offer blends digital collectibles with real-world experiences and memorabilia, a strategy that has been increasingly popular in the NFT space.

This NFT release follows Trump’s previous successful ventures into the digital collectibles market and also echoes the foray of Melania Trump, the former first lady, into NFTs.

Trump’s engagement with NFTs comes at a time when he is facing multiple legal challenges. He has been indicted by both state and federal authorities on various charges, including business fraud and efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election, resulting in a total of 91 felony charges. Despite these legal battles, Trump is actively seeking a non-consecutive second term in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

The U.S. Constitution does not have provisions that automatically disqualify individuals under criminal investigation or those convicted of crimes from running for federal office. The enforcement of the 14th Amendment, which bars convicted insurrectionists from holding public office, requires congressional action, thus allowing Trump to continue his political campaign despite the charges against him.

This NFT drop is a testament to the evolving use of digital assets in various fields, including politics. It also highlights the complex relationship between public figures, legal issues, and new forms of digital engagement and fundraising.