Donald Trump's name is now selling Bibles instead of real estate, upsetting some
Former President Donald Trump is officially selling a patriotic copy of the Christian Bible for $59.99 themed to Lee Greenwood's famous song, "God Bless the USA," upsetting some.
"Happy Holy Week!" Trump announced on his social media site Tuesday, during the most solemn period of the Christian calendar, the last week of the Lenten season marking the suffering and death of Jesus, CNN reported.
"As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible," said Trump.
The concept of a Bible covered in the U.S. flag, as well as a former president's endorsement of a text Christians consider to be sacred, has triggered concern among religious circles.
The New York Times labeled it "Trump's Newest Venture? A $60 Bible."
""His Bible sales pitch comes as he appears to be confronting a significant financial squeeze, with his legal fees growing while he fights a number of criminal cases and lawsuits," said The Times.
The Bible sales venture also raised questions about Trump's motivations, as the former president finds himself in the middle of several expensive legal battles.
Before turning to politics, Trump "lent his star power and celebrity endorsement to a slew of consumer products — steaks, vodka and even for-profit education, to name just a few," reported the Times.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said the spectacle of Donald Trump selling $60 Bibles is "a spit in the face of people that really believe," according to The Guardian newspaper.
"Blasphemy certainly comes to mind," Sharpton told MSNBC.
"I think that people ought to realize how offensive this is to those of us that really believe in the Bible. He's doing this during Holy Week. Tomorrow is Good Friday, Sunday is Easter."
Sharpton said such a time "to hustle using the Bible," is really a spit in the face of people that really believe in the Bible from a Christian point of view."
The sales blurb for the Bible says," First and foremost, The God Bless The USA Bible is the ONLY Bible inspired by America's most recognized patriotic anthem, God Bless The USA."
It denied that Donald Trump owns the company behind the Bible.
"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," said the company.
"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not owned, managed or controlled by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Ventures LLC or any of their respective principals or affiliates.
It said GodBlessTheUSABible.com uses Donald J. Trump's name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.