Trump Hats Used as Promotion by News Site

For people following the presidential campaign race, Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" hat should look familiar. He's been wearing it to his rallies, and it was for sale online. Now, Politico reported that Newsmax, an online and print news outlet, was giving away the hat as a promotional gift for subscribers.

The ad says: "Now, after eight years of Obama's failed presidency, Americans are finding renewed hope with Trump's 'Make America Great Again.' Wear this cap with pride—show your friends at the golf course, gym, beach—anywhere outdoors you stand for a strong America. And drive your liberal friends nuts too!"

The hat promotion comes with a three-month trial of Newsmax Magazine subscription.

A spokesperson for Newsmax told Mediaite that Trump's camp did not provide the hat, and that the cap references a slogan from Ronald Reagan's campaign.

"It's all about generating revenue," the spokesperson told Mediaite. "Trump does not get any revenue."

Mediaite speculated that if the hats were, in fact, provided by Trump, then that means he does receive revenue. If not, it means that Newsmax could be manufacturing knock-off versions. Trump spokesperson Hope Hicks further denied the claims of partnership, telling Mediaite that the campaign does not have an agreement with Newsmax.

Giving out a hat related to a current presidential candidate could be seen as endorsement, which would possibly compromise the news outlet's objectivity.

A source from within Newsmax also told Politico that the news outlet has had similar promotions in the past, such as books, from candidates Mike Huckabee, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

The source also told Politico that the publication has a data-sharing agreement with at least six candidates, through which their campaign offices can use Newsmax's email lists for a fee.