Marine Corps tells Duncan Hunter to stop using official emblem, slogan for campaign

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) was reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter from the Marine Corps, as he was told to stop using the official emblem and phrase of the Marines in his campaign material.

NBC News reports it obtained the letter sent from the Marine Corps Trademark Licensing Office telling Hunter to stop using the iconic “Globe and Anchor” emblem and “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy” phrase.

{mosads}The letter, dated Tuesday, tells Hunter’s campaign to “immediately remove the Emblem and the Phrase from its mailers, and, without limitation, from all other campaign materials including websites and other instances where the Emblem or the Phrase are being used. We also request that you provide us with a timetable as to your compliance with our requests,” NBC reported.

Hunter has been in Congress since 2009 after serving in the Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005. He is seeking reelection in 2020 and currently faces federal charges of wire fraud, campaign finance violations, falsifying records and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

He reportedly used similar campaign flyers and material in 2018 when he defeated Ammar Campa-Najjar (D). Campa-Najjar is expected to challenge Hunter again next year.

A spokesperson for Hunter told NBC News it received the letter from the Marine Corps.

“The campaign immediately complied and is taking all appropriate measures to ensure this matter is addressed appropriately and thoroughly.”

The Hill has reached out to a spokesperson for Hunter for comment.

Marine Corps spokesman Lt. Col. Stuart Fugler told NBC News the letter was sent to Hunter due to the fact that the “Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is a trademark of the Marine Corps protected by Federal law.”