BENSALEM, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Philadelphia store that sells President Donald Trump-themed merchandise and attracted die-hard supporters is closing after six years in business.
The Trump store, which sells hats, flags, T-shirts and other items in politically competitive Bucks County, posted on social media that its store will close at the end of the month.
Owner Mike Domanico said in a phone interview Tuesday that he is closing the store because he is focusing on another business, selling gun targets and other items at gun shows, and is semi-retired. But the closure also acknowledges that business has slowed.
“The store has reached the end of its rope,” he said. “You know, six years later, the election is over. Trump is not going to run in another election, although he will be involved.”
The store sells Trump 2028 gear despite a constitutional ban on the president from running in the 2028 presidential race. Trump said it was “too bad” he couldn’t run, even as he distributed Trump 2028 memorabilia at the White House.
“It’s just to piss people off,” Domanico said.
A Facebook post announcing the store closures drew gloating comments from apparent Trump skeptics.
“You don’t win anymore?” one commenter wrote. Another said: “Trump must have done wonders for the economy.”
Domanico said there was a time when he would respond to all comments, but not anymore.
“No matter what the president does, no matter how good things are, they’re going to hate him,” he said.
Dave Russell, 81, a longtime Trump supporter, purchased a Trump veterans hat at the store when it opened in 2020. In a phone interview Tuesday, he said he wasn’t surprised the store was closing.
“Because most of what they’re selling is promoting Trump. He’s in his last term. You can’t do more for him than what he’s already got,” Russell said.
Bucks County is often seen as a key bellwether in presidential elections. In 2024, Trump narrowly defeats Kamala Harris to win back Pennsylvania, just as he did when he first won in 2016.
Asked if he would go back and buy any of the merchandise that ended up selling, Russell laughed and said no. “I’m loaded with Trump stuff. I don’t need anything.”
