President-elect Donald Trump turned a friendly moment with First Lady Jill Biden at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris into a bold advertisement for his new fragrance line, “Fight, Fight, Fight.” Trump shared a photo of their interaction on Truth Social with the caption: “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist,” instantly sparking buzz online.
The photo, taken December 7, 2024, which showed Jill Biden smiling at Trump, quickly went viral. While no one knows exactly what the two were discussing, Trump used the image to promote his cologne.” Great Christmas gifts for the family,” he added, linking to his retail site. Critics quickly accused Trump of using the moment to mock Jill Biden, pointing to his caption as a possible dig.
Trump is no stranger to stirring up reactions with his words. Over the years, he’s used sarcasm and bold statements on social media to make headlines, often leaving people debating whether he’s joking or serious. This approach fits a pattern for Trump, who’s been known to say things like wishing for “global warming” during a freezing winter or making controversial suggestions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event at Notre Dame was Trump’s first overseas trip since his election win and was meant to celebrate the restoration of the cathedral after the devastating 2019 fire. World leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Prince William attended to honor the occasion, but Trump’s social media post quickly took over the spotlight. People online were split—some thought it was a clever business move, while others called it disrespectful.
Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, didn’t hold back either, accusing him of “grifting” during the holidays, a term she used to describe his efforts to profit off controversy. This fragrance campaign joins Trump’s lineup of unexpected ventures, including selling mugshot-themed merchandise and digital trading cards. Launching the cologne during the busy holiday shopping season shows Trump’s knack for turning moments into money-making opportunities.
The First Lady and the Biden administration have stayed quiet about Trump’s ad, but the photo has kept people talking. Jill Biden hasn’t responded to the uproar. Instead, the conversation has shifted to Trump’s ability to turn simple exchanges into headline-grabbing events.
This situation highlights how Trump continues to mix business with politics in ways that keep him in the spotlight. What was supposed to be a celebration of Notre Dame’s recovery has now become a debate about whether it’s right to turn a political moment into a sales pitch. No matter the criticism, Trump’s approach keeps him front and center, proving once again that he knows how to use the spotlight to his advantage.
