Former Trump lawyer, Michael Cohen, known for being close to Donald Trump as his personal attorney and “fixer,” recently spoke out against Trump’s latest business endeavor – a collection of golden sneakers. In an interview with CNN’s Abby Phillip, Cohen did not hold back his criticism for the product, marking a shift from a prominent associate to one of Trump’s vocal opponents. Referring to the “Never Surrender” sneakers, Cohen drew attention by saying, “I mean, I don’t know who he thinks he is, Michael Jordan or my old client Kanye, you know, with Yeezys.”
Cohen didn’t mince words in his critique, describing the sneakers as “some of the most repulsive, ugly-looking, $5.25-cent-to-manufacture-in-China sneakers I’ve ever seen,” commenting on their appearance and perceived worth. He also highlighted the societal connotations of sporting such footwear, remarking, “The one good thing for the rest of us is when we see somebody walking down the street a mile away wearing them, well, we know who they are.” This stance positioned the sneakers as a symbol of polarizing beliefs, with Cohen labeling wearers as holding discriminatory views.
Trump’s sneaker line features a gold high-top shoe with a “T” emblem starting at $399, serving as the premium choice in the range. A mid-top alternative in red and white is priced at $199 for a more budget-friendly option, aiming to broaden the line’s appeal. Despite the backlash, Trump remains optimistic about the success of his sneaker line, expressing a longstanding desire to tap into this market. In addition to sneakers, Trump has also unveiled Victory 47 Cologne and Victory 47 Perfume, expanding the variety of products in his collection. Not associated with his presidential campaign or the Trump Organization, these additions signify a new direction in Trump’s branding efforts.
Cohen’s critique comes against a backdrop of a tumultuous history, including serving time for various charges such as campaign finance violations, tax fraud, and bank fraud. Despite facing accusations of perjury, Cohen’s testimony against Trump in a civil fraud case was deemed “credible” by Judge Arthur Engoron. This led to Trump being directed to pay over $355 million in penalties, underscoring the rift between Cohen and his former employer.
Michael Cohen’s scathing evaluation of Trump’s golden sneakers not only dissects the product’s appearance and production but also acts as a broader condemnation of Trump’s polarizing impact.
