The Scent of 47: Is Trump Selling Cologne Right Now?
Honestly, you’ve probably seen the headlines. Or maybe a clip on Truth Social. Or just a blurry photo of a gold statue that looks suspiciously like a fragrance bottle. If you’re wondering if Donald Trump is actually in the perfume business, the answer isn’t just a simple "yes"—it’s a full-blown commercial blitz.
He is definitely selling cologne. In fact, he’s been at it for decades, but the 2024 and 2025 drops are unlike anything he’s done before. We’re not talking about some dusty bottle in the back of a Macy’s anymore. We are talking about "Victory 45-47," a fragrance line that launched as he reclaimed the White House.
It’s weirdly fascinating. Most politicians release a memoir when they want to make a point. Trump releases a $249 bottle of juice that promises to make you smell like "unstoppable determination." Whether you love the guy or can't stand the sight of him, you have to admit the marketing is pure, unfiltered Trump.
Why Everyone is Talking About Victory 45-47
The flagship product right now is Victory 45-47 Cologne. It’s not just a name; it’s a direct reference to his status as the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
The bottle is the first thing you notice. It’s a gold-toned bust of Trump himself. Seriously. It’s got the suit, the tie, and the signature hair, all topped off with a gold cap. It looks less like something you’d find at a Sephora and more like a trophy you’d win at a high-stakes golf tournament.
Last July, the hype hit a fever pitch when the price tag was revealed: $249 per bottle.
That is a massive jump from his earlier 2024 release, "Victory47," which retailed for about $99. People were stunned. $249 puts it in the range of high-end "niche" perfumery like Creed or Tom Ford. But is it actually high-end? Critics say it’s a "cash grab," while fans on sites like Fragrantica have described it as a mix of woody, spicy, and aromatic notes. One reviewer famously said it smells like something you’d find at a discount store for twenty bucks, but hey, you aren’t just paying for the smell. You’re paying for the statue.
The Evolution of Trump Fragrances
This isn't his first rodeo in the fragrance world. Not even close. If you dig through the archives of mid-2000s mall culture, you’ll find "Donald Trump: The Fragrance" from 2004. It was a simpler time. Back then, it was all about "Earthy Greens" and "Violet Wood."
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Then came the "Success" and "Empire" lines in 2012. You can actually still find these at places like Walmart or FragranceNet if you look hard enough. They usually go for $30 to $50.
- Donald Trump (2004): Heavy on basil, mint, and cucumber. Very "fresh office" vibes.
- Success (2012): More of a juniper and coriander situation.
- Empire (2012): A deeper, peppermint and amber scent.
But those were just business ventures. The new stuff? The stuff he’s selling now? That’s different. It’s political. It’s personal. It’s "Fight, Fight, Fight" (another actual fragrance name launched in late 2024). These bottles aren't designed to sit on a bathroom counter; they’re designed to be collectibles.
Where Can You Actually Buy This Stuff?
You won’t find the new "Victory 45-47" at your local department store. You basically have to go to the official "Trump Fragrances" website.
The site is a masterclass in direct-to-consumer sales. They offer "Gift Bundle Discounts"—basically, if you buy three bottles, you save $150. It’s the kind of bulk-buying strategy usually reserved for paper towels, but applied to luxury perfume.
There’s also a healthy resale market. If you check eBay right now, you’ll see limited-edition, numbered bottles of the 2025 release going for $350 to $500. It’s wild. People are treating these bottles like NFT trading cards or rare sneakers. Speaking of sneakers, that’s exactly where this latest fragrance push started. Remember the gold "Never Surrender" high-tops? The cologne was the "upsell" at the bottom of the checkout page.
The Legal and Ethical Gray Area
Because he’s the President, this isn't just about perfume. It’s about ethics.
If you look at the fine print on the website, it says the fragrances are not designed, manufactured, or sold by Donald J. Trump personally. Instead, they are produced under a licensing agreement by a company called CIC Ventures LLC.
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Basically, Trump gets a cut of every bottle sold for the use of his name and likeness.
Critics like Senator Mark Warner have called it "grifting in plain sight." They argue that a sitting president shouldn't be hawking $249 cologne while policy decisions are being made. On the other side, his supporters see it as the ultimate "f-you" to the establishment—a way to bypass traditional media and sell directly to his base.
Does it matter that he’s making millions off of cologne while in office? To his fans, it’s just proof he’s a "great businessman." To his detractors, it’s a massive conflict of interest.
What’s Inside the Bottle? (The Actual Scent Profile)
If we strip away the gold statues and the political drama, what does the "Victory" line actually smell like?
The men’s version of Victory 45-47 is marketed as a "rich, masculine" scent. It’s got notes of cardamom and geranium. It’s built to be loud. It’s not a skin scent that fades after an hour. It’s designed to project. You want people to know you’re wearing it.
The women’s version comes in a red and gold box. It’s described as having "delicate floral notes" and a "burst of citrus." It’s meant to embody "unstoppable determination."
Honestly, most professional perfumers will tell you that the cost of the liquid inside a $249 bottle is usually only a few dollars. The rest is marketing, packaging, and brand equity. In this case, you are paying a massive premium for the "Trump" brand.
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Actionable Steps for Collectors and Curious Buyers
If you’re thinking about picking up a bottle, here’s what you need to know before you drop a couple hundred bucks.
1. Check the official source first
Don't buy from a random Instagram ad. Go directly to the official Trump Fragrance site to ensure you aren't getting a knock-off. The real ones have specific security features and numbered certificates for the limited editions.
2. Understand the "Final Sale" policy
The Trump merchandise sites are notorious for having a "No Refunds" policy. If you hate the smell, you’re stuck with it. You might be able to flip it on eBay, but don’t expect a return label.
3. Look for the "Success" or "Empire" lines if you're on a budget
If you just want to know what a "Trump scent" feels like without spending $250, look for his 2012 releases. They are chemically similar and cost about 80% less.
4. Watch the resale market trends
If you’re buying this as an investment, be careful. Most celebrity scents don't hold their value unless they are truly rare. The "Victory" line is being produced in batches of 10,000 or more. That’s a lot of bottles.
Ultimately, whether Trump is selling cologne because he loves the art of perfumery or because he needs to offset massive legal bills (or both) is up for debate. What isn't up for debate is that the "Victory" line is a smash hit with his core audience. It’s a piece of political history you can spray on your neck.
Just don't expect it to smell like a revolution—it mostly smells like cardamom and gold paint.