Let’s see what high profile musicians have the balls to publicly use the Government Les Paul.
The latest raid was the best thing that could ever happen to Gibson. Gibson was in financial trouble after the Nashville flood. It had failed to produce audited financial statements to its lenders for two years, which was a default under its loan agreements.
Gibson's sales went through the roof after the publicity about the raid and quite a few people I trust say that in keeping up with demand, Gibson couldn't keep up with quality control (I didn't find that to be the case with acoustics made in the Bozeman factory, but I haven't purchased an electric since the last raid).
Also, I don't think the Obama administration cares a whit about this. I think Fish & Wildlife cares a lot.