What Happened to Trump Steaks?
Trump Steaks was a luxury meat brand launched by Donald Trump in May 2007, sold exclusively through The Sharper Image and QVC. Despite extensive promotion, the product line was discontinued after just two months due to poor sales and mixed reviews. The original brand remains defunct, though Donald Trump has referenced 'Trump Steaks' in later political contexts, and in 2026, as President, he initiated policies related to beef imports.
Quick Answer
Trump Steaks was a premium meat brand introduced by Donald Trump in May 2007, marketed as 'The World's Greatest Steaks' and sold via The Sharper Image and QVC. It quickly failed, being discontinued by July 2007 due to exceptionally low sales and consumer dissatisfaction with its high price and perceived quality. The trademark for Trump Steaks was canceled in December 2014, and the original product is no longer available. While Donald Trump has used the 'Trump Steaks' name in political stunts, these were not a revival of the original brand. As of August 2026, President Trump has implemented policies to increase beef imports to lower prices, a separate initiative from the defunct 'Trump Steaks' product line.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Trump Steaks Trademark Registered
Donald Trump officially registered 'Trump Steaks' as a U.S. trademark.
First Commercial Use
The 'Trump Steaks' name was first used in commerce, initially through a direct sales website.
Official Launch at The Sharper Image
Trump Steaks officially launched with a press event at The Sharper Image store in Rockefeller Plaza, New York City.
Featured on Saturday Night Live
The new Trump Steaks brand was mocked in a Saturday Night Live episode.
Trump on Sharper Image Catalog Cover
Donald Trump was featured on the cover of The Sharper Image's June 2007 catalog to promote the steaks.
Debut on QVC
Trump Steaks debuted on the QVC home shopping television channel, with Donald Trump making an appearance.
Discontinuation by Retailers
Both The Sharper Image and QVC discontinued Trump Steaks due to poor sales and failure to meet expectations, just two months after launch.
Trademark Canceled
The U.S. trademark for Trump Steaks was officially canceled.
Listed as Business Failure by Time Magazine
Time magazine included Trump Steaks on a list of Donald Trump's unsuccessful business ventures.
Displayed at Presidential Rally
During a presidential primary victory speech, Donald Trump displayed steaks, claiming they were 'Trump Steaks,' though they were later identified as coming from a local butcher.
Trump Administration Beef Import Deal
President Trump signed a deal with Argentina to allow 80,000 metric tons of beef to be imported to the U.S. in quarterly shipments, aiming to lower prices.
Beef Import Recall
Nearly 30,000 pounds of beef imported under the 2026 deal were recalled due to not passing American inspection, drawing links to past business failures.
Trump Authorizes More Beef Imports
President Trump announced a temporary increase in beef imports free of tariffs, aiming to sell meat at 25% below market prices to combat rising costs.
Cattle Producers Condemn Import Plan
U.S. cattle producers and lawmakers criticized President Trump's new beef import plan, warning it would hurt efforts to rebuild herds and gamble with food safety.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Trump Steaks was a short-lived venture into the luxury food market by Donald Trump, launched in May 2007. The brand aimed to capitalize on Trump's image of opulence and quality, offering USDA Angus certified and USDA Prime beef cuts, including filet mignons, rib-eyes, burgers, and sausages. Prices for packages ranged from $199 to $999, with a tagline of 'The World's Greatest Steaks'.
The product was primarily distributed through an unusual partnership with The Sharper Image, a retailer known for electronics and gadgets, and also appeared on the home shopping channel QVC. Donald Trump actively promoted the steaks, appearing on the cover of The Sharper Image's June 2007 catalog and making appearances on QVC. The meat itself was supplied by Buckhead Beef, a subsidiary of Sysco, which also supplied meat to Trump's hotel and casino properties.
However, Trump Steaks proved to be a commercial failure. The Sharper Image discontinued the product line in July 2007, just two months after its launch, citing extremely poor sales. Jerry Levin, then CEO of The Sharper Image, stated that they sold 'almost no steaks,' estimating total sales at less than $50,000. Consumer reviews were largely mixed to negative, with many criticizing the high price for what they considered mediocre quality. The unusual distribution channel and a focus on Trump's personal brand over the product's inherent quality were also cited as contributing factors to its downfall.
The brand's trademark was officially canceled in December 2014. Despite its commercial failure, Trump Steaks gained renewed public attention during Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. He famously displayed what he claimed were 'Trump Steaks' at a victory rally in March 2016, although it was quickly revealed that these were steaks from a local Florida butcher, Bush Brothers Provision Co., and not from his defunct brand. This event further cemented Trump Steaks' legacy as an example of an unsuccessful celebrity branding effort.
As of August 2026, the original Trump Steaks product line remains defunct, and the trademark is inactive. There is no indication that the brand has been revived. However, in February 2026, President Trump (assuming he is in office) signed a deal with Argentina to increase beef imports to the U.S., aiming to lower domestic beef prices. This initiative, which has seen some beef recalls in August 2026 due to inspection issues, represents a broader policy engagement with the beef industry by Donald Trump, distinct from the specific 'Trump Steaks' brand. This policy has drawn criticism from U.S. cattle producers.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Trump Steaks made different choices?