Deutsche Tageszeitung - Trump 'has fun' buying shoes for cabinet members

Weather - Berlin 2°C

Trump 'has fun' buying shoes for cabinet members

POLITICS 13.03.2026

Trump 'has fun' buying shoes for cabinet members / Photo: © AFP

US President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that he had bought several members of his cabinet the same shoes from his favorite brand.

Change text size:

The unusual gifts were first reported this week in The Wall Street Journal, which said Trump had given out pairs of Florsheim shoes worth $145 -- at times even guessing people's shoe size in front of them.

"It's a nice shoe," Trump said in an interview with Fox Radio when asked about the story.

"What I do is, is somebody that for many many years has walked around in shoes that were no good, and would not be that comfortable," said the 79-year-old Republican.

"So I have fun with it. When they tell me they have a problem, I say, 'Let me get you a pair of shoes.' It seems to work out pretty well. Now they look all spiffy and nice. It's a gift from Donald Trump."

Trump added that he had "never liked cabinet members walking in in sneakers."

Those wearing the shoes include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, The Wall Street Journal said.

One photo showed Rubio in what appeared to be the same footwear, which looked too big on the heels.

The model on the Florsheim website that most closely resembles those in the photographs is a leather dress shoe made in China, sold for $145 a pair.

(T.W.Lukyanenko--DTZ)

Featured

Florida AG Investigates DSA Politicians Over Suspected Chinese and Cuban Funding

Florida Attorney-General James Uthmeier has initiated a formal investigation into the financial activities of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) politicians, focusing on allegations of foreign funding. The probe examines whether tens of thousands of dollars provided by China and Cuba were used to finance official travel for DSA delegates in 2025.

Qatar Leads Diplomatic Push to Bridge US-Iran Divide Amid Regional Tensions

Qatar is advancing a comprehensive diplomatic campaign aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran and promoting regional stability. Following high-level meetings in Washington with US leadership, Qatari officials reported sustained consultations with international partners to prevent escalation and support peace efforts across the Middle East and beyond.

Eli Crane Defeats Jonathan Nez in Tight Arizona Congressional Race

Incumbent Republican U.S. Representative Eli Crane has retained his seat in Arizona’s second congressional district after defeating former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez in an unexpectedly close election. The Associated Press called the race on Monday, confirming Crane’s narrow victory following nearly a week of vote counting.

Economist Testifies Canada Has Limited Power to Alter Global Climate

An environmental economist testifying at Canada’s first youth-led climate trial stated Monday that the federal government has limited power to alter the climate within its borders because global warming is largely driven by the choices of other nations. Professor David Anthoff, appearing as the first witness for the federal government in Vancouver, emphasized that while domestic policy matters, it cannot solve the problem in isolation.

Change text size: