#political-merchandise

#political-merchandise

Dealing with the unprecedented threats from Donald Trump's threats to Canada's economy and sovereignty have required unconventional strategies from federal and provincial leaders, including barring liquor sales and cancelling contracts with Tesla. But among the more unorthodox strategies to hit back against the US is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on novelty hats. In January, sensing a marketing opportunity after Trump threatened to annex Canada, an Ottawa-based company began selling hats with the message Canada is not for sale in capital letters.

After weeks of mocking tweets from Newsom that mimic Trump's usage of ALL CAPS, multiple exclamation points and memes picturing the 79-year-old as a ripped young man, the governor took the next logical step in his get-under-their-skin campaign and launched his own store for merch, the Patriot Shop. " THE PATRIOT SHOP IS NOW OPEN!!! " he crowed. "MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING THIS IS THE GREATEST MERCHANDISE EVER MADE. PLEASE ENJOY, AMERICA!"

The small yet passionate world of MAGA-themed alcohol reflects a unique counter-culture that's emerged from Trump's presidency, focusing on merchandise that channels strong political sentiments.