How Trump’s monetizing his mug shot
Former President Trump got the primetime media coverage he craved, and the historical shot he wanted.
DRIVING NEWS: Trump's drive-by to Atlanta late Thursday for his fourth arrest in less than five months produced the stern-looking prison photo — another presidential first for him — that is sure to be the defining image of the 2024 campaign.
Why it matters: His team has already indicated it will use the image on Trump 24 merchandise and in fundraising appeals to fuel his claim that he is a victim of overzealous, partisan prosecutors.
Not only did Trump post the photo on his Truth Social account, but he also shared it on X, formerly known as Twitter.
It was his first post there since Jan. 8, 2021 — two days after the Jan. 6 insurrection — when he wrote: "I'm not going to the inauguration on Jan. 20."
Yes, but: Trump's trip to Georgia was also a reminder of the danger he faces in charges brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fanny Willis.
It accused him of running a criminal enterprise that tried to overturn the election — government charges that are beyond the reach of any potential pardon he could try if elected president again.
Instead of a courtroom like the one Trump went to to answer crime indictments in New York, Florida and Washington, D.C., he had to report to the ramshackle, smelly Fulton County Jail.
He was fingerprinted and released prisoner.
