Inside the sour-grapes wine war tearing MAGA apart as Trump tries to crush a label from loyal supporter's vineyard

Published: 21:13, 21 May 2026 | Updated: 21:16, 21 May 2026 Donald Trump is trying to block a pro-Republican California winery from using one of his signature political slogans despite the brand being proudly and fiercely supportive of the president, the Daily Mail can reveal.  Monterey-based Republican Red Winery sells MAGA-themed wines including 'Drill Baby Drill', and 'Drain the Swamp' Chardonnays, along with a special edition 'Epic Fury' red released after Trump's attack on Iran and priced a $124 for a magnum. But despite its unwavering support for the president, winery owner Paul Johnson has found himself in a trademark dispute with Trump, particularly over a wine called '45-47 Republican Red Special Edition.'  Filings obtained by the Daily Mail reveal three Trump-linked companies - DTTM Operations, Trump Wine Marks LLC, and CIC Operations - have filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking to cancel the trademark.  The trademark was registered in June 2025, though Trump's legal team says it only became aware of it in recent weeks, according to the documents.  His lawyers have now moved to protect the '45-47' branding - a reference to Trump serving as both the 45th and 47th president, which now appears on a range of official merchandise.  The petition argues that Johnson's trademark could create a 'false suggestion of a connection' to Trump, who famously abstains from alcohol despite lending his name to Trump-branded wines.  It also claims the label could create consumer confusion by falsely implying Trump had endorsed or was connected to the wine.  Donald Trump's legal team is seeking to cancel the trademark for a California wine, despite the branding being pro-Trump, the Daily Mail can reveal  Republican Red Winery, based in Monterey and owned by Paul Johnson, is facing a trademark challenge over its use of their '45-47' branding on their Chardonnay and red wines  It specifically cites 'false suggestion of a connection, 'false endorsement,' and 'likelihood of confusion'. The dispute is particularly awkward because Johnson has repeatedly promoted Trump and framed his winery as a conservative alternative in the wine industry. Promotional photos from its website and social media show Johnson alongside famous Republicans such as Ron DeSantis as well as conservative news pundits, posing with the branded bottles.   Online, the description of the wine at the center of the trademark battle reads: 'Our 45-47 Pinot Noir is a powerful nod to resilience, legacy, and the bold return of a leader who never stopped fighting for America. 'Celebrating Donald J. Trump as the 45th and 47th President, this wine honors a legacy shaped by courage and conviction.' Johnson set up the winery five years ago and has been on a wave of publicity recently with the right-wing media.   But the legal challenge comes as the business owner simultaneously claims his company has faced resistance from distributors and retailers unwilling to carry a wine brand so openly aligned with Republicans.  Johnson has used recent appearances on Fox News and Newsmax to discuss the resistance that has resulted in him selling online directly to the consumer.  Winery owner Paul Johnson, pictured with Republican governor Ron DeSantis, says his conservative wine brand has struggled to secure retail distribution because of its overt Republican identity The winery markets MAGA-themed wines that carry names such as 'Never Surrender' or 'Drain the Swamp'  Fox News advertised the show on Instagram stating: 'The woke mob is now targeting Republican Red Winery.'  Earlier this month, Johnson was interviewed by Newsmax host Todd Starnes on his radio show, where Johnson revealed: 'The retail stores won't carry us, they won't allow us in there. 'That's why we're an online company only because the word "Republican" is in our name and they're afraid that the Libs here in California and across the country will come in and make a stink about it,' he added.  Johnson and his company did not respond to the Daily Mail's repeated requests for comment.  The petition was filed by Trump's lawyer Michael Santucci of 500Law, based in Fort Lauderdale, who also didn't reply to a comment request. This is the second time in recent months that Trump has taken legal action against a firm that he considers to be violating his brand. In March, the Daily Mail reported that Trump had opposed a Chinese clothing firm trademarking his initials 'DJT'  to sell dresses, tops, and other outfits online for 12 years.  Intellectual property attorney Raymond Panneton, from Shackelford, McKinley, and Norton LLP in Houston, said the challenge reflects how aggressively Trump protects his brand, even against supporters. Johnson has used recent appearances on conservative media (pictured) to promote his wine and discuss the resistance from mainstream retailers who allegedly refuse to carry the brand 'The Trump name has been a well-known brand long before the president announced his 2016 bid for the White House,' Panneton said.  'In curating his brand, the Trump family has focused on high-end and luxury products, which they feel compliment the Trump name. 'This requires the Trump family to challenge marks in order to maintain control over quality and optics, as we are seeing with the challenge to the 45-47 Wine. 'A brand this well protected does not like to have items associated with the Trump name which they cannot control.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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