A guitar company promoting an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump has been hit with a cease and desist order from Gibson.
The 130-year-old guitar giant confirmed it had issued the warning to Trump Guitars, owned by 16 Creative, claiming the design infringes on Gibson’s exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape.
Trump Guitars’ website features a “Make America Great Again”-inlaid “American Eagle Series” guitar, with the number “45” branded on the headstock. While it’s unclear whether Trump owns the company, the site claims it offers the “only guitar officially endorsed by President Donald J. Trump,” showcasing the president-elect holding one of the instruments.
One of the guitars is signed by Trump, with only 275 models available. A non-signed guitar costs $1,250, while the signature model goes for more than $10,000. Trump Guitars also offers the “Presidential Series” in various finishes, priced for those willing to spend. The company claims the guitars are custom designed by a veteran-owned company with input from a master luthier, though their FAQ section reveals the instruments are made by multiple domestic and international manufacturers, suggesting they may not be entirely U.S.-made.
