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Smoothie King Fires Employees Over Trump Sweatshirt Incident
Two workers dismissed after refusing service to couple over political apparel at Michigan franchise
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Two employees at a Smoothie King in Ann Arbor, Michigan were fired after they refused to serve a couple because the man was wearing a sweatshirt with President Donald Trump's name on it. The company said the incident violated its policy of ensuring stores are "a place free of discrimination of any kind." The couple recorded the interaction, which went viral online, leading to online harassment of the employees and a since-removed GoFundMe campaign.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions around political polarization and the debate over whether businesses have the right to refuse service based on a customer's political views or attire. It also raises questions about employee rights, social media harassment, and how companies should respond to controversial situations involving their staff.
The details
According to the report, Erika Lindemyer and her husband Jake were asked to leave the Smoothie King franchise after one employee said she was "uncomfortable" with Jake's Trump sweatshirt. The other employee defended the first worker's stance and told the couple to leave. The Lindemyers recorded the interaction, which showed the employees saying they had the "right to refuse service" and that "Trump discriminates [against] us." Smoothie King later fired the two employees, saying it was "committed to ensuring our stores are a place free of discrimination of any kind."
- The incident occurred on Sunday, March 3, 2026.
The players
Erika Lindemyer
A customer at the Smoothie King franchise in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jake Lindemyer
Erika's husband, who was wearing a Trump sweatshirt that prompted the incident.
Janiyah Mishelle
One of the former Smoothie King employees who refused service to the Lindemyers, citing her political views.
Smoothie King
The national smoothie franchise that owns the Ann Arbor location where the incident occurred.
What they’re saying
“We were just wanting a smoothie, and you literally looked at us and I asked you if everything was OK and you said, 'We don't feel comfortable serving you' because of my husband's hoodie. That is discrimination.”
— Erika Lindemyer
“Trump discriminates [against] us.”
— Smoothie King employee
“My political opinions are very complex. I do not stand on behalf of any political party. I merely refused service because of the alleged affiliations the Trump administration has to [pedophiles]. I believe in the United States & want to see our citizens standing up against binary political logic.”
— Janiyah Mishelle, Former Smoothie King employee (Fox News Digital)
What’s next
Smoothie King said it has reached out to the Lindemyers to apologize and will be retraining all employees on its guest experience standards.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions around political polarization and the complex questions businesses face in balancing employee rights, customer service, and avoiding discrimination. It highlights the need for clear policies and training to ensure all customers are treated with respect, regardless of their political affiliations.
