Latest news with #MAGA-themed
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Trump Burger' keeps sizzling, but owner's future in US is on the line — how a MAGA devotee came under ICE's radar
Not even a burger bun stamped with Donald Trump 's face could shield the man behind Texas's MAGA-themed fast food chain from a federal immigration crackdown. Roland Mehrez Beainy — the 28-year-old Lebanese national who co-owns the Trump Burger restaurants — was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in May for allegedly overstaying his visa, The Hill reported. He now faces deportation, with ICE officials describing him as an 'illegal alien' who has 'no immigration benefits' preventing removal. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program According to ICE, Beainy entered the U.S. in 2019 on a non-immigrant visitor visa, which required him to leave by February 12, 2024. Federal authorities say he failed to do so. He was arrested on May 16, then released on bond on June 13 pending immigration court proceedings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unveiling the Cremation Process in Malaysia: Prepare to Be Surprised Cremation Services | Search Ads Search Now Undo 'Roland Mehrez Beainy does not have any immigration benefits that prevented his arrest or removal from the United States,' an ICE spokesperson told The Hill. 'Under the current administration, ICE is committed to restore integrity to our nation's immigration system by holding all individuals accountable who illegally enter the country or overstay the terms of their admission. This is true regardless of what restaurant you own or political beliefs you might have.' Live Events Allegations of a 'sham' marriage ICE and the Department of Homeland Security also allege that Beainy sought legal status through what they describe as a fraudulent marriage. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services revoked the petition, citing a lack of evidence the couple ever lived together, as well as statements from the petitioner's family suggesting the marriage was not genuine, The Hill reported. Newsweek noted that a woman who said she was Beainy's wife had applied to secure legal status for him, but USCIS found no proof of an actual marriage. Beainy, however, disputes the bulk of the government's claims. 'Ninety percent of the s--- they're saying is not true,' he told The Chon, adding that he would not comment further on the advice of his attorney. Trump-branded burgers keep sizzling despite owner's arrest Beainy's legal troubles have unfolded as his MAGA-themed burger empire has been expanding. Complete with Instagram-ready buns emblazoned with Trump's name, satirical menu items, and Trump impersonators mingling with customers, the brand opened a third location in the Houston area in April. A fourth Trump Burger opened in Bay City this summer — just weeks after Beainy's arrest — due to what local media described as 'high demand.' Beainy's immigration court hearing is scheduled for November 18, when a judge will decide whether he can remain in the United States. Until then, the MAGA burgers will keep flipping — but their future, like their founder's, hangs in the balance.
Daily Mirror
09-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Owner of Donald Trump-themed burger chain may soon be deported by president he worships
A Lebanese man who has been in the US since 2019 and started a chain of Donald Trump inspired restaurants could soon be deported by the president he worships The boss of an infamous Trump Burger chain could soon be booted out of the US by the very president he idolises. Homeland Security sources have revealed that restaurant boss Roland Beainy, 40, was arrested in May after immigration cops discovered he had overstayed his visa. Beainy, who hails from Lebanon, arrived in 2019 on a tourist visa and never left, even after it expired in February this year. Officials claim he's been living in America illegally ever since. The Trump fanatic launched his first burger joint in 2020, complete with MAGA-themed décor, and has since grown the chain to four outlets across the Houston area. It comes after Donald Trump was seen with a mystery mark in Scotland after his chronic health diagnosis. But his political loyalty isn't earning him any special treatment in the White House's sweeping crackdown on undocumented migrants, and he could soon see himself living in another country, the NY Post reports. In a fiery statement, the Department for Homeland Security said: 'This is true regardless of what restaurant you own or political beliefs you might have." Officials also claim the Lebanon native's bid for legal status was 'revoked' after his own family allegedly admitted his marriage was a sham to dodge immigration rules. Homeland Security didn't hold back, accusing Beainy of having 'no Green Card, a history of illegal marriages, and an assault charge', and even branded it a 'flagrant abuse' of US immigration law. The burger boss denies all wrongdoing, insisting the claims are 'not true' in a statement to the Houston Chronicle. He was released on bond in June while his deportation case drags on — but the fight is far from over. The Trump Burger brand has courted controversy before. A recent Facebook video showed a Trump impersonator jokingly asking Latina diners for their green cards. Adding to his troubles, Beainy is locked in a bitter legal row with the landlord of his Kemah branch. Archie Patterson claims he's owed money, while Beainy's side insists Patterson forced out staff and seized control of the site. For now, it's not known whether Beainy will be serving customers in Texas or back in Beirut in the months to come. His future is now in the hands of the courts. Earlier this year, a movement dubbed Operation Safeguard led to an increase in ICE and allied agencies to conduct mass raids across major cities, detaining tens of thousands including those with legal or pending status. At the same time, the administration dramatically expanded detention infrastructure and used military-style camps.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Trump Mobile: All about president's new mobile service and gold 5G phone
Just months into his second term, Donald Trump is using his well-known image as a 'Phone Guy' to launch a new business. The nickname, recently highlighted by The Atlantic, now ties into his latest venture: Trump Mobile. On Monday, the Trump Organization announced a 5G cellular service and a MAGA-themed gold smartphone, both released under the banner of Trump Mobile, dubbed the 'T1 Phone.' In a press release, the company described it as a service offering 'top-tier connectivity, unbeatable value and all-American service,' available through AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The '47 Plan,' priced at $47.75 per month, includes roadside help, unlimited data and telehealth access. That's not all. According to Fast Company, a flashy $499 'T1 Phone,' loaded with gold accents and MAGA slogans, is set to drop this fall. The T1 Phone design embraces everything Trump-era branding is known for: minimal design, bold fonts and heavy-handed symbolism. Images on the official website show a gold-coloured back etched with the American flag and a Trump Mobile logo. The phone will run Android 15. Although details about its manufacturing are vague, the phone claims to be 'American-made.' Trump's sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, confirmed that customer support will be based in Missouri. Still, most phones and parts sold in the U.S. are sourced from Asia, and Trump Mobile hasn't confirmed where the T1 Phone is built. This isn't Trump's first golden venture. His Oval Office has been gilded, his jet is lined with gold furniture, and earlier this year, he launched a 'gold card' visa initiative aimed at wealthy immigrants. The new phone, much like his sneaker line and Bible partnership, adds another layer to a growing business portfolio powered by politics and personal branding. ALSO READ: Trump Mobile released, T1 phone to be launched Sept 2025 | What do they offer? Although the Trump Organization stated before his second term that it would be run by his children, ethics experts remain uneasy. The Trump Mobile website clarifies that the Trump name is used under a licence and the business is not owned directly by the Trump Organization. That hasn't stopped concerns. 'No one who has been paying attention could miss that President Trump considers the presidency a vehicle to grow his family's wealth,' Harvard Law School's Lawrence Lessig told Reuters. 'Maybe this example will help more come to see this undeniable truth.' According to a financial disclosure filed last week, Trump's licensed product ventures, from colognes to guitars, raked in over $8 million in 2024 alone. However, experts like Paolo Pescatore, a telecom analyst at PP Foresight, told Reuters that the new phone venture raises fresh questions: 'It's unclear what kind of commercial relationship Trump Mobile has with actual telecom players.' The company's emphasis on US manufacturing mirrors Trump's broader economic policy. As new tariffs hit Asian electronics, the President's calls for domestic production grow louder. Trump Mobile claims to be built on those very values, though independent verification is still missing. What's clear is that the lines between campaigning, governance and business have never looked more intertwined. With MAGA-themed devices in voters' hands by fall, Trump's latest venture seems designed not only for profit but for visibility, and perhaps influence, too. It's a new mobile service and smartphone brand launched by the Trump family. The '47 Plan' is priced at $47.75 per month. It's gold-themed, runs Android 15, and bears MAGA branding. Trump Mobile claims so, but no official details have been confirmed. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are leading the new venture.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘From nobody to the White House': Who is Dominick McGee? MAGA influencer stirring up outrage on X
(Photo: NYT) Dominick McGee was once just another online voice shouting into the void. But this April, the 31-year-old walked into the White House for a Trump press briefing — a moment of validation he proudly recorded for his 1.5 million X followers. 'I was a nobody,' he was quoted as saying by the New York Times. 'No clout, no followers, no nothing, no money. And look what's able to be created in the land of the free.' McGee's journey from a one-bedroom flat in Miami to the White House has been anything but usual. He started out posting conspiracy theories from his couch. Today, he's one of the most well-known far-right voices on X. At one point, he was ranked the third most influential user on the platform — just behind Elon Musk and Andrew Tate. But while he gained a lot of attention, the money didn't always follow. His rise came from a familiar formula: post all day, stir controversy, and grab attention. McGee starts his online work at 9 a.m. and continues until 8 p.m., hoping to catch the platform's algorithm. One post about WNBA star Brittney Griner went viral with over 11 million views after he encouraged users to misgender her. 'I know for a fact that Brittney Griner will go viral,' he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Classic Solitaire , Built for Desktop Play Solitaire Download Undo 'It's a great post to start the day.' McGee grew up in South Carolina, where he once thought selling drugs or joining a gang might be his only way forward. Instead, he joined the Army, later studied at Penn State through a veterans' programme, and tried his hand at music and fashion. But it was Trump's 'Stop the Steal' campaign that brought him an online following. A Facebook group he ran was banned for sharing false election information. He then switched to X, where Elon Musk's platform rewarded posts that got attention — though the pay was unpredictable. Since 2023, McGee has made about $157,000 from X's revenue-sharing programme. He earned $67,000 in the first year, but after being kicked out of the programme in 2024, his payments dropped to just $12,000. He complained to Musk and got a 'Will fix' reply — but not much happened. He only got another $16,000 after that. McGee also earned about $62,000 from followers who pay $10 a month for his exclusive posts. He once landed a $150,000 deal to promote a MAGA-themed cryptocurrency. But that coin lost over 90% of its value, and McGee was left using what was left to pay for rent, food, and his dog's meals. At one point, he had only $7 in his bank account. Even though he talks about investing in real estate and buying a Lamborghini, McGee admitted he made less than $55,000 last year. 'Honestly, $150,000 is a lot compared to my broke a** in the past,' he said. 'But I'm actually pretty poor. I'm one of the poor creators.' One of his biggest complaints is that X doesn't tell creators how much they'll earn from each post, making it hard to plan. 'That's insane for any adult to have to live their life that way,' he said. Now, McGee is shifting again — this time to podcasting and short viral videos. He's started a new show recorded in a Miami apartment. The idea isn't just to talk, but to create 30-second clips that go viral. The topics are lighter — celebrity news and pop culture — meant to attract a wider audience before sharing his political views. It's a method used by others like Candace Owens. 'It's not what I started off as originally,' he said. 'It's a survival mechanism. That's what it takes.' But controversy keeps following him. In 2023, McGee was suspended from X for posting a disturbing news image about child sexual abuse. He later said he was misunderstood and upset that no one asked about his side of the story. On a recent podcast, a guest used a homophobic slur and shared white nationalist views. McGee seemed uncomfortable and later said, 'Social media has radicalised him a little bit.' 'The first goal is to be seen,' he said. 'And they give you that.'
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kash Patel's fashion statement: From FBI boss to MAGA merch guy
ટ્રમ્પના વિશ્વાસુ અને FBI ડિરેક્ટર કાશ પટેલ ઈમિગ્રેશન એન્ફોર્સમેન્ટમાં મહત્વની ભૂમિકા ભજવી રહ્યા છે. Kash Patel isn't just making waves in politics—he's making them in fashion too. Yeah, we're talking about the current FBI Director (and Trump favorite) who's just as comfortable in a tailored suit as he is in a meme-worthy t-shirt. From courtroom chic to merch mogul vibes, Kash's style tells its own wild story. The suit game: Classic… with a dash of Kash When it's time to be official, Kash rolls out in the classics—sharp suits, clean white shirts, and bold ties. The kind of outfit that says 'I mean business.' But look closer and you'll spot the personal touches. Like at his confirmation hearings—red power tie, American flag pin—basically screaming, 'I'm patriotic and not afraid to show it.' It's the little things that give away where his loyalties lie, and he's not shy about it. The merch madness Now here's where it gets interesting. Kash isn't just about suits—he's also low-key (or maybe not-so-low-key) cashing in on his political brand. He's got a foundation, and that foundation is putting money into an online store run by a buddy of his. The name? Based Apparel. The goods? MAGA-themed t-shirts and hoodies, with slogans like—you guessed it—'Female Body Inspector.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Middle-Class Americans Waste Money [Learn More] DollarPerks Learn More Undo Yup, that old frat-boy joke somehow made it into his merch line, and surprise, not everyone thinks it's funny. Critics called it tacky, even inappropriate, especially for someone heading up the FBI. But Kash? He's leaned into it. After all, controversy sells—and so does MAGA. The Shein surprise Then there's the international angle. Turns out Patel had a consulting gig with Shein—you know, the Chinese fast-fashion giant known for cranking out trendy clothes and, um, questionable labor practices. He reportedly walked away with stock valued somewhere between $1 and $5 million. Not bad, huh? But here's the thing: people weren't thrilled about a top U.S. law enforcement official doing side gigs with a company that's constantly in hot water. Still, Kash hasn't exactly backed away from it. It's all part of the hustle. Proudly desi Fashion for Kash isn't just political—it's personal too. As an Indian-American, he sometimes throws in subtle nods to his heritage. Think: kurta for Diwali, saffron-colored ties during Hindu festivals, maybe even the occasional 'Jai Shri Ram' post on social media. He's not walking around in full Bollywood gear every day, but he knows how to blend cultural pride into his look without making it feel like a costume. His supporters love it, and it's become part of his personal brand—equal parts FBI and desi pride. And who could forget the Bollywood moment? After he was tapped as FBI Director, Dan Scavino (one of Trump's old media guys) shared a hilarious deepfake-style video of Kash's face pasted onto a scene from Bajirao Mastani. The song? 'Malhari'—a straight-up victory anthem. The video went viral fast. People couldn't decide if it was cringe or genius, but one thing's for sure—it made Kash look like a Bollywood boss. And maybe that was the point. The infamous T-shirt moment One of Kash's most talked-about 'looks' wasn't even at a political event. It was a candid moment: him, in a 'Female Body Inspector' t-shirt. Yep. That shirt. It popped up online and exploded across social media. Some folks laughed it off, others cringed hard. For a guy running the FBI, it felt a little… off-brand. But if you know anything about Kash Patel, you know he's not trying to fit into anyone else's box. That shirt? Probably just another way to keep people talking. At the end of the day, Kash Patel's wardrobe is doing way more than just covering his back. It's a toolkit—for branding, for messaging, for stirring the pot. Whether he's rocking a D.C. suit, a controversial hoodie, or bringing a little Bollywood flair into government halls, Patel's style is always saying something. You might love it, hate it, or just roll your eyes, but you can't ignore it. And really, that's kind of the point. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
