As Donald Trump continues to espouse the “Buy American” rhetoric, recent reports indicate his campaign merchandise has a different tale to tell. Chinese media is reporting that Trump’s iconic MAGA hat has been made in Chinese factories since 2016. The disclosure comes just as trade tensions between US and China are escalating, once again exposing hypocrisy between Trump’s public statements and business practices. Trump has been criticized for hypocrisy, and the moment is now being used by Chinese factories to reveal more profound secrets about the global luxury manufacturing industry.
Chinese Factories Produced MAGA Merchandise Since 2016
As per MoneyControl, quoting a China 24 report, Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign gear has been manufactured in Chinese factories since years. Despite Trump’s high-pitched American-made drive, Chinese suppliers produced these campaign items at just $1 each.
China 24 channel shared a video of a Chinese factory dedicated to MAGA merch (since 2016) pic.twitter.com/evqiwDvuSO
— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress) April 14, 2025
This report is contrary to Trump’s frequent demands that factories come back to America. Trump has called upon Americans to “buy American and hire American” at numerous rallies. However, the supply chain of his own campaign appears to be heavily Chinese.
Social Media Outrage Over Double Standards
These discoveries ignited a tide of online outrage. X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to point out the hypocrisy. One tweet said, “Trump says buy American, but he buys from China.” Another commenter drily observed, “The whole MAGA movement made in China since 2016. Can we finally end the charade?”
Some even wondered if Trump would try to lift tariffs on goods associated with his own campaign.
Chinese Suppliers Call Out Global Luxury Brands
Fueling the fire, Chinese manufacturers are now also listing major international brands that also outsource from China. The same China 24 report says that Chinese factories churn out products for Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Estée Lauder, and Bobbi Brown. The suppliers are now selling identical unbranded versions directly to consumers — sometimes for a tenth of retail costs.
They post viral videos featuring quality labor and materials. Most offer free shipping and import duty payments.
Strategic Blow in a Trade War Escalation
Chinese media reports that this is a “paradox in China-US relations.” Trump’s imposition of tariffs while his campaign boosts Chinese business is, according to some, strategic retaliation by China with transparency as the weapon. Others believe that America might not be ready to emerge victorious from this trade war.
The controversy continues to grow — and so does the pressure to align words with actions.
