Iconic image of ‘bulletproof’ Trump inspires MAGA merchandise

World leaders have expressed sympathy for former US president Donald Trump after he was shot at a campaign event, while merchandise sellers swiftly promoted products emblazoned with pictures of the attempted assassination.

Images of Mr Trump defiantly raising his fist after being shot on Saturday (US time), captured by the Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, became instantly historic after being widely shared on social media.

Merchandising websites including Etsy have been flooded by hundreds of products using Vucci’s photo. 

For sale are everything from T-shirts to mugs and even dog cardigans featuring the image, sometimes altered to accentuate the blood on Mr Trump’s face, accompanied by phrases like “bulletproof” and “fight for America”. 

Another seller was selling stickers with the image of Mr Trump with fist raised, reading “grazed and unfazed”.

Several users on the marketplace eBay were selling copies of the New York Times and Los Angeles Times from Sunday, July 14, which both used Vucci’s photo on the front page.

One X user posted photos from a location in the US on Sunday (local time), where physical retailers were already selling similar products.

Within hours of the shooting, products with Vucci’s photo could also be found on Chinese ecommerce sites such as Taobao. 

The FBI continues to investigate the shooting, which occurred prior to the Republican Party’s National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As Mr Trump called on his countrymen to “stand united” and “show our true character as Americans”, world leaders sent well wishes and condemned political violence.

In an opinion piece published on Monday, Mr Albanese said he was relieved Mr Trump was safe and wrote that: “We all need to be on guard against those seeking to use misinformation to create division.”

“This is a time for unity, for calm and for allowing authorities in the US to do their jobs. And it is a moment to reflect on the responsibility we have to maintain our harmony here at home.”