The political burger saga continues. The landlord of a Texas-based Trump Burger location has filed a countersuit against the restaurant’s owners and rebranded the location under a new name: MAGA Burger USA.
What began as a local business dispute over rent and licensing has now grown into a legal and political standoff—drawing national media attention and fueling debates over branding, intellectual property, and partisan identity in American dining.
Here are the five major updates you need to know about the unfolding situation.
1. Landlord Countersues Trump Burger Founders Over Lease Dispute
The landlord of the now-former Trump Burger location in Bellville, Texas, has filed a countersuit against the restaurant’s original operators, alleging breach of lease, unpaid rent, and damage to property.
This follows an earlier lawsuit filed by Trump Burger’s founders, who claimed the landlord illegally seized the restaurant space and misused their branding without permission.
In the countersuit, the landlord claims the owners failed to meet rental obligations and breached contractual terms, including building maintenance and operational hours. The suit demands compensation for lost income, property damage, and alleged defamation.
“This is about a lease violation, not politics,” said a spokesperson for the landlord. “The rebranding is a separate matter and fully legal.”
2. Trump Burger Name Replaced with MAGA Burger USA
In a bold move, the landlord has rebranded the restaurant as “MAGA Burger USA”, complete with new signage, menu tweaks, and patriotic décor.
The MAGA name—short for “Make America Great Again”, the slogan made famous by former President Donald Trump—appears to keep the political theme alive, despite the legal rift with the original Trump Burger creators.
The new MAGA Burger USA reportedly features similar menu items, including:
- The “Liberty Burger”
- “1776 Fries”
- “Second Amendment Shake”
The rebranding has already sparked heated reactions on social media, with some customers calling it a “copycat” restaurant, while others say the landlord has every right to operate under the MAGA brand if not using Trump’s name directly.
3. Trademark Disputes Take Center Stage
One of the most contested elements of the ongoing battle is who owns the branding rights to “Trump Burger.”
The original founders argue that the name, logo, and menu design were all part of their creative property and business identity. They’ve filed a trademark infringement complaint, claiming that MAGA Burger USA unlawfully used similar branding elements to confuse customers.
However, the landlord counters that the restaurant space was leased, not franchised, and that no exclusive trademark agreement was ever filed or legally binding.
“The MAGA name is not owned by any one person—it’s a slogan in public use,” said the landlord’s attorney.
The legal gray area over political slogans, public figures, and restaurant branding is now at the heart of the dispute, and the case may set a precedent for politically-themed businesses in the future.
4. Community and Customer Reactions Are Mixed
Locals and online followers of the restaurant have voiced a wide range of opinions about the lawsuit and rebranding.
Some former customers say they feel betrayed by the split and are unsure which side to support. Others say the political branding—whether “Trump Burger” or “MAGA Burger”—has always been divisive and not the best business strategy.
“It’s not about burgers anymore,” said a Bellville resident. “It’s a political turf war disguised as a restaurant battle.”
Despite the controversy, both Trump Burger (now operating from a separate location) and MAGA Burger USA claim to be doing steady business, fueled in part by the viral attention the conflict has created.
5. What’s Next in the Legal Fight
As of July 2025, both lawsuits—Trump Burger’s original claim and the landlord’s countersuit—are scheduled for preliminary hearings in Texas civil court.
Key issues to be resolved include:
- Whether the lease agreement gave the landlord rights to continue operating under a similar restaurant concept
- Whether any trademarks were violated
- The legality of the seizure and rebranding
- Financial damages sought by both parties
Legal experts say that the case is unusual, not only because it involves politics and fast food but also due to the lack of formal franchise structure, which usually governs brand usage more clearly.
Final Thoughts: A Burger Battle Fueled by More Than Just Business
The Trump Burger vs. MAGA Burger USA fight is about more than unpaid rent or grilled patties—it’s a symbol of the tension between politics, business, and public perception in America today.
While the courts will ultimately decide who has the legal right to operate what, the case already serves as a cautionary tale:
If you plan to build a business on political branding, you better have clear contracts, registered trademarks, and airtight lease agreements.
For now, both restaurants are operating—one under the original Trump-inspired menu, the other under a rebranded MAGA theme—and the public is watching, not just with interest, but with appetite.
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