Exclusive: In 2010 letter, Trump pleaded with Macau leader to correct ‘outrageous’ trademark defeat, attaching TV ratings

In 2006, Macau had surpassed Las Vegas as the world's largest gambling destination. However, Donald J. Trump faced a challenge when his company, Trump Companhia Limitada, was already registered to local residents, Maria Cecilia Bastos Xavier and Wong Un Chon. Trump attempted to secure exclusive rights to the Trump name in Macau by filing a lawsuit in the territory's courts.

Despite his efforts, the court's decision infuriated the future US president, leading him to write a 2010 letter to Macau's leader, Fernando Chiu, requesting an appeal against what he deemed an "outrageous miscarriage of justice." He also sought assistance from the US State Department, making his correspondence with the government and the supporting documents official records.

In his letter, Trump expressed his disappointment, stating that the court's decision declared that neither he nor his company name was well-known in Macau. He argued that the core of his business was in the United States, where the majority of its activities were conducted, and that Macau was not familiar with his brand. He emphasized that his name and reputation were globally recognized, owing to his world-class buildings, the popular TV show "The Apprentice," and numerous best-selling books.