A new burger chain in Texas is grabbing attention — and sparking controversy — for its unapologetically pro-Trump branding.
Launched by Lebanese immigrant Roland Beainy, Trump Burger is a growing restaurant concept that blends fast food with political spectacle. The menu, decor, and atmosphere are saturated with tributes to President Donald Trump, American flags, and jabs at Democratic figures. With several locations now open in Texas, the chain is receiving mixed reactions from both food critics and diners.
Houston Chronicle food critic Bao Ong visited the Trump Burger location in Houston, describing a setting that felt more like a political shrine than a typical burger joint. From “Trump 2024: The Revenge Tour” hats to red T-shirts with the phrase
While Ong stayed neutral on his political views, he didn’t hold back on the food. He found the burgers underwhelming and the Philly cheesesteak “stingy,” though he praised the “First Lady Chicken Sandwich” as “a step up” thanks to its juicy grilled chicken and melted cheese. The milkshakes — made with Texas-based Blue Bell ice cream — also earned a thumbs-up for their nostalgic, all-American simplicity.
Not all reviewers were as diplomatic. Eater Houston’s Brittany Britto Garley offered a sharper critique, both politically and culinarily. She pointed out that the restaurant’s humor is “brutish,” aimed at a Trump-supporting crowd with heavy-handed satire.
One example: the “Biden Burger” — renamed the “Harris Burger” at some locations — features a tiny 1-ounce patty, “old tomato,” and “the oldest buns available due to cheating and inflation,” priced at a tongue-in-cheek $50.99. A red X covers Biden’s face on the menu. A cashier confirmed to Garley, “It’s a joke.”
Garley described the atmosphere as “uncomfortable,” especially at one location where she said the energy felt tense and unwelcoming. “For someone who views Trump’s legacy as divisive and harmful, eating here feels like endorsing those values,” she wrote.
When asked about the criticism, a Trump Burger spokesperson dismissed some of the negative reviews as politically motivated.
“The Houston Chronicle leans liberal, so we weren’t surprised by their biased coverage,” the spokesperson told Fox News.
