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NYTimes: The Short-Lived Plan to Produce a Trump-Themed Instant Pot

The Short-Lived Plan to Produce a Trump-Themed Instant Pot https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/us/politics/trump-maga-instant-pot.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/us/politics/trump-maga-instant-pot.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

Like most appliances, the Instant Pot used to keep quiet about its politics.

But recently, it went all-in for President Trump.

In June, a lobbyist for the countertop cooker announced a new line of devices emblazoned with Mr. Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again.” The lobbyist said other manufacturers owned by the same private-equity firm would also make Trump-themed products: snow globes, dinner plates, flatware, bedsheets. The companies would donate all proceeds to the fund to build Mr. Trump’s presidential library.

It looked like a page out of a new political playbook.

The New York-based private equity firm, Centre Lane Partners, wanted the Trump administration’s help with tariffs and a looming antitrust inquiry, according to lobbying filings and interviews with people on Capitol Hill. To get it, the firm’s lobbyist augmented the usual backroom meetings with newly popular tactics in Mr. Trump’s second term: over-the-top public flattery of the president and gifts to his cause.

In this case, it backfired.

The lobbyist announced the merchandise — complete with mock-ups of a wee Mr. Trump inside a snow globe — without seeking the Trump Organization’s permission to use its trademarks or offering to give the president’s company a cut.

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Full List of GOP Bills to Put Trump's Name or Face on Things - Newsweek

🤢🤮

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‘Crazy hill to die on’: Newsom jolts California with bid to throw out House maps - POLITICO

Newsom is not alone in his frustration with Texas. Democrats around the country are decrying Texas’ move to redraw its seats — particularly as Trump has floated having four additional red states manipulate maps to boost the GOP. The effort has some national Democrats feeling heartburn for the power that some blue states handed independent redistricting commissions to draw district lines while red states like Texas weaponized theirs.

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This guy gets it.

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Ch👍

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Just rewatched The Hunger Games and honestly, the most unrealistic part is the intercontinental high speed rail system.

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