The historic American guitar brand Gibson has taken legal action against the branding agency behind the new guitar line endorsed by newly elected President Donald Trump, citing a violation of the iconic Les Paul design.
According to the U.S. weekly Billboard, the company issued a “cease and desist” order to halt the sale of instruments that, they claim, imitate their brand.
The “Trump Guitars” were unveiled on November 20 via a post on the Truth Social platform. The line includes both acoustic and electric models, adorned with patriotic symbols such as a bald eagle, the American flag, the slogan “Make America Great Again,” and the number “45,” a clear reference to his first presidential term.
Prices range from $1,250 to $1,500 for base models, while editions signed by the tycoon can reach figures between $10,250 and $11,500. The official website, GetTrumpGuitars.com, states that 1,275 units have been produced, with some lines reportedly already sold out.
Despite the buzz, Trump’s actual involvement in designing the instruments remains unclear. The website describes the guitars as “customized by a veteran-owned company with the support of a master luthier” and specifies that they were assembled using both domestic and international components.
Alongside the guitar line launch, the magnate announced a second edition of his controversial “Bible,” now priced at $70—$10 more than the previous version. The main novelty this time is the embossed name “Donald J. Trump” on the cover, positioned above the phrases “Holy Bible” and “God.”
The commercial move has sparked debate, raising further questions about the use of religious symbols for branding purposes. However, Trump’s supporters view these initiatives as tangible examples of the businessman-turned-politician’s entrepreneurial spirit.
A Gibson spokesperson told the press that the objective of the complaint is not to target Trump directly but to protect the company’s intellectual property and the identity of its registered trademark.
