A company selling electric guitars “officially endorsed” by President-elect Donald Trump got slapped with a cease and desist letter this week by Gibson as its design “infringes upon” exclusive trademarks, “particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape,” according to the manufacturer.
Listed between $1,500 and $11,500 — depending on whether it comes with an autograph or not — the allegedly infringing electric guitars can be found at a dedicated Trump Guitars website, although some were listed as sold out at the time of publication.
It’s unclear whether Trump is actually receiving any profits from the sales, with the only proof of his endorsement being photos of the future president holding one of the “American Eagle” git-fiddles.
“These beautiful guitars feature the iconic phrase ‘Make America Great Again‘ inlaid in authentic pearl up the neck of the guitar and the number 45 on the headstock signifying President Donald J. Trump’s historic term as President,” a description reads. “These limited edition guitars are numbered with only 1,275 available.”
“The only guitar officially endorsed by President Donald J. Trump,” the website also says.
Gibson told Guitar World on Monday that a cease and desist letter had been sent to the company behind the “American Eagle” series, 16 Creative, over the similarities to the Gibson Les Paul. The Trump guitars are said to be made by “multiple providers” that are described as being both “domestic and international,” per the manufacturer.
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In September, Trump was called out for being in his “cease & desist era” by Taylor Swift fans after his campaign began selling shirts with similar designs to Swift’s “Eras Tour” tees. The 45th and 47th president has also tried hawking “Trump Steaks,” “Trump Boots,” “Trump Coins” and “Trump Bibles.”
“Happy Holy Week! Let’s Make America Pray Again,” Trump wrote in a plug for his bibles on Truth Social. “As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless the USA Bible.”
According to The Associated Press, Trump’s team has been facing “serious” money woes due to mounting legal bills from criminal charges and civil suits. He’s also been selling NFTs, aka nonfungible tokens, in addition to tangible goods — reportedly earning between $100,000 and $1 million on digital Trump trading cards portraying him as an astronaut, cowboy and superhero.
Representatives for Trump and Gibson did not immediately respond to Law&Crime’s request for comment.
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