Donald Trump (76) promised to announce something big last Wednesday. When he did it the next day, the former US president earned scorn and malice. From then on he sells digital photos, all of which show him. Sometimes as superheroes, sometimes as astronauts, in tails or as the torchbearer of the Statue of Liberty. The graphics are based on NFT technology and cost a $99 pack.
Trump admits he is what he is: a cartoon character. The money does not flow to the election campaign, but to his private account. He eagerly enriched his time in the White House.
Well, Trump is not a trailblazer. Greed is as much a part of ex-presidents as agents who surround them protectively. They all have the same thing to offer: fame and notoriety as a politician.
Obamas are very successful
No one is more successful than the Obama couple, consisting of ex-President Barack (61) and First Lady Michelle (58). Faster than anyone before them, they turn the years in Washington into millions. Your media group is called Higher Ground Productions – sublime productions.
The name is program. In a documentary, Barack Obama walks barefoot on the beach and talks about endangered turtles. In her new book, Michelle Obama offers advice for crises big and small.
That looks more elegant than Trump crassly playing sheriff in the old west. In the end it’s the same. Both teams turn political brands into entertainment products, even kitsch.
Memoir sold for $65 million
The Obamas know their charisma. When they launch a book or movie, it appears in multiple languages, accompanied by podcasts and uncritical TV interviews. Their clients include Spotify and Netflix. Together they sold their memoir for $65 million, a multiple of the record. Former President Bill Clinton (76) received 15 million for ‘My Life’.
Former presidents currently receive an annual pension of $220,000. But the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885), embellished his later days with best-selling memoirs. Gerald Ford (1913-2006) was the first ex-president to accept large fees for performances. Record holders in this category are Bill and Hillary Clinton (75). They earned over $150 million from speeches.
Even in war, Hollywood makes political stars. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (44) recently had a TV studio for Netflix set up in a metro station in Kiev. Entertainer David Letterman (75) interviewed him there. The president – once a comedian – is now serious, then funny, then thoughtful. Letterman feigns dismay. Passing trains and sirens provide dramatic tones. All of this is excellent front-line entertainment.