Branded merchandise is a proven way to build recognition. Businesses and organizations invest in custom-branded items to make an impact, establish goodwill, and ensure their name stays top-of-mind. However, recent revelations about a U.S. government expenditure show that branding can sometimes backfire—especially when the purpose behind it is unclear. According to Joe Rogan, USAID (the United States Agency for International Development) allocated $27 million of taxpayer money