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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
David Smith in Washington

Trump reportedly gifts cabinet members and White House visitors with Florsheim shoes

two men in suits greet each other as photographers point cameras at them and others watch
Marco Rubio at the US Capitol on 7 January 2026 in shoes that appear to be too big. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sitting behind the Resolute desk, Donald Trump fixed his gaze on JD Vance’s and Marco Rubio’s feet. “Marco, JD, you guys have s—y shoes,” said the US president, consulting a catalogue and asking their shoe size. Rubio said 11.5 and Vance 13. Trump leaned back in his chair and remarked: “You can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.”

The story is recounted in a Wall Street Journal newspaper report that tells how officials, advisers and visiting allies are quietly acquiring leather dress shoes courtesy of Trump, who presents them with the enthusiasm of a travelling salesman.

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