A new cease and desist against President-elect Donald Trump’s guitar endorsement likely isn’t music to his ears.
Last week, he touted Trump Guitars, which featured a website promoting how it is “the only guitar officially endorsed” by the president-elect. Now, however, Gibson Guitars has issued a cease and desist against 16 Creative, the owner of Trump Guitars, over the shape and design of Trump Guitars.
Specifically, Gibson Guitars argues the design of Trump Guitars “infringes upon Gibson’s exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape,” according to a statement obtained by Guitar World.
16 Creative’s website describes itself as a “veteran-owned, multi-focused branding agency” that helps entertainers, veterans, and others “bring their legacy to life through strategic marketing campaigns and branded merchandise.” Among the people listed to have worked with 16 Creative on its website include musicians Lee Greenwood, Don McLean, Hank Williams Jr., and Charley Pride.
The Trump Guitars line sold electric and acoustic guitars, a few hundred of which were autographed by the former president. As of Tuesday afternoon, less than a week after Trump promoted the line, the “American Eagle” version of this line’s electric guitars is sold out, with the autographed version selling for $11,500.
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Trump Guitars is the latest venture the former president has conducted to cash in on his popularity, as he made several ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Among these ventures were sneakers bearing a photo of his first assassination attempt, selling for $299, as well as a “God Bless the USA” Bible, selling for $59.99.
The Washington Examiner has contacted Trump’s team and 16 Creative and Gibson Guitars for comment.