Trump Guitars burst onto the scene with patriotic flair, bold designs, and Donald Trump’s personal endorsement. Everything seemed to be sunshine and rainbows until the legendary guitar maker Gibson sent a cease and desist letter, slamming the brakes on the operation.
The main reason for Gibson’s legal action was that Trump Guitars used a single-cutaway electric body shape that looked suspiciously like a Les Paul. Gibson is famous for fiercely protecting its iconic design, so it’s no surprise they took swift steps to demand the brand stop.
When the cease and desist order hit, the Trump Guitars team quickly realized they had to make changes or else face a serious – and possibly expensive – legal showdown. They put out new disclaimers across their website in big, bold letters, emphasizing that they were not connected to Gibson.
One of the boldest and fastest moves was removing those highly controversial Les Paul-style mockups from public view. Photos that once showed Trump signing these electric guitars were replaced so it appeared he was signing an acoustic, which wouldn’t infringe on Gibson’s designs.
For a short while, fans wondered if this meant the end of the Trump-endorsed instruments entirely. Yet almost overnight, the website reemerged with slightly altered body shapes, new design tweaks, and disclaimers that firmly stated “we are not affiliated with Gibson” at every turn.
Gibson’s main gripe involved what they called infringement upon their exclusive trademarks, particularly the Les Paul body shape. To avoid more legal drama, Trump Guitars scattered disclaimers through multiple pages, making it crystal clear that they weren’t selling Les Pauls or anything close.
The old single-cut guitars were labeled “sold out” to hide them from possible customers, while fresh models appeared that were just different enough to steer clear of Gibson’s wrath. These reworked guitars kept the same Trump-themed flair, sporting colors like red and gold, as well as playful inlays spelling out “MAGA.”
Even the brand’s highest-priced models, which can cost thousands of dollars, were given disclaimers warning potential buyers about the weeks or even months required for delivery. Trump Guitars tried to pivot the story by emphasizing that their instruments are a testament to patriotism and are made with the help of a “master luthier.”
However, the biggest challenge was proving to Gibson’s legal team that these revised guitars were distinct enough to avoid another lawsuit. Gibson has a reputation for guarding everything from its iconic shapes to its headstock designs, so Trump Guitars had every reason to tread carefully.
While the cease and desist sent shockwaves through the guitar world, some loyal Trump supporters saw it as proof of their favorite figurehead battling powerful institutions once again. In truth, though, this was simply about following trademark law and preventing confusion over which brand made which guitar.
The business pivot is now complete: new shapes, new disclaimers, and giant “SOLD OUT” banners covering the older designs. Even so, that hasn’t stopped curious guitar enthusiasts from screenshotting those initial Les Paul-like images and sharing them online in giggling disbelief.
The site has also added a veteran-owned backstory and references to overseas part suppliers, perhaps to encourage buyers to look past the controversy. Fans who still want these instruments can choose from updated Presidential or American Eagle options, with the promise that they have been legally cleared for sale.
What’s most remarkable is how swiftly the Trump Guitars team worked to stay afloat after Gibson’s cease and desist. The notion of one of the biggest guitar makers in the world potentially suing a presidential brand had all the makings of a headline-grabbing dispute.
Instead, Trump Guitars applied some creative Photoshop, slapped disclaimers everywhere, and dodged a costly legal bullet. It remains to be seen if these instruments will become true collector’s items or just fade into novelty status.
Either way, it’s a reminder that even politics-packed guitars aren’t above the rules when it comes to protected designs. If you’re looking for a piece of musical gear with Trump’s name on it, just know that it’s been through quite the legal gauntlet before it reaches your doorstep.
For now, Gibson seems satisfied with the changes, and Trump Guitars has managed to keep selling patriotic axes with a smile. Only time will tell if future additions to the lineup will spark a similar uproar, but at least this conflict was (mostly) resolved without a drawn-out courtroom battle.
In the meantime, buyers can strum away on their MAGA 45 “Trumpbuckers” without worrying about another cease and desist. After all, the brand has proven itself capable of quick adjustments to avoid yet another guitar feud, ensuring their instruments can keep rocking under a very bright spotlight.
If you’re interested in purchasing one of these expensive instruments, then you can check out the website here: Trump Guitars.
