{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreick2n52jelmvs27sqlnkb5j7tkztssr7unf6qsmonh6lowq574upu",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:lnhy53y6j34a24vprtadosqm/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgrpuyrs7sh2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreifechihcgwkyosh6bqxb3dhgojxu6vtxtfaxvl3io73dwb42wz7pe"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 76458
  },
  "path": "/politics/national/donald-trump-florsheim-shoes",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-10T18:18:48.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.advocate.com",
  "tags": [
    "Donald trump",
    "Florsheim shoe company",
    "Howard lutnick",
    "Lindsey graham",
    "Michael jackson",
    "Pete hegseth",
    "Sean hannity",
    "Soes",
    "Steven cheung",
    "_Donald_ _Trump_",
    "reports",
    "_**LGBTQ**_",
    "_**Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.**_",
    "_paper_",
    "Trump uses State of the Union to demonize transgender kids and their families",
    "_Republican_",
    "_Fox News_",
    "_South Carolina_",
    "_Chicago_",
    "Republicans rage after Trump appears to soften stance on trans care",
    "__Morrison Media Group__"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nPresident _Donald_ _Trump_ has become obsessed with giving a specific pair of $145 Oxford leather shoes to just about anybody who will take them, __The Wall Street Journal__ reports.\n\n******Keep up with the latest in** _**LGBTQ**_**+ news and politics.**_**Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.**_\n\n\n“All the boys have them,” said a White House official. “It’s hysterical because everybody’s afraid not to wear them,” another told the _paper_. According to the __Journal,__ the president has taken to guessing people’s shoe size in front of them, telling his aide to place an order, and, when the shoes arrive, Trump adds a personalized note as part of the ritual.\n\n******Related** : Trump uses State of the Union to demonize transgender kids and their families\n\n\nThe 79-year-old _Republican_ president has reportedly gifted shoes to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and his communications director Steven Cheung, deputy chief of staff James Blair, and speechwriter Ross Worthington.\n\nTrump has also gifted the shoes to _Fox News_ personality Sean Hannity and _South Carolina_ Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.\n\nThe Florsheim Shoe Company, founded in _Chicago_ in 1892, became widely popularized when King of Pop Michael Jackson wore a pair of Florsheim Imperial “Como” loafers in the iconic __Thriller__ and __Bad__ eras. Yes, these were in fact his famous Motown 25 moonwalk performance shoes. The very ones that shocked the world when Jackson seemingly levitated across the stage.\n\n**Related** : Republicans rage after Trump appears to soften stance on trans care\n\nNow, the brand is being re-popularized by Trump. According to __The Journal__ , some have begrudgingly worn the shoes, with one cabinet secretary upset that he had to shelve his Louis Vuittons. What’s unclear still is the motive behind this obsession. Back in December, during a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump pointed out that members of his staff did not pass the president’s shoe fashion test.\n\n“Marco, JD, you guys have shitty shoes,” Trump declared. After giving the president their respective shoe sizes, Trump leaned back in his chair and said, “You know you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size,” according to Vance.\n\n_The Journal_ reached Thomas Florsheim Jr., who declined to comment further, simply saying he was unaware of the president’s orders.\n\nThe brand was founded by a German immigrant and cobbler, along with his son. Florsheim branded the shoes and sold them to stores across the country, eventually becoming one of the companies that outfitted North American soldiers during both world wars.\n\n_This article was written as part of the Future of Queer Media fellowship program at The Advocate, which is underwritten by a generous gift from_ __Morrison Media Group__ _. The program helps support the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists._",
  "title": "Why is Donald Trump obsessed with giving away $145 men’s shoes?"
}