Trump Supporter Denied Service at Smoothie King Speaks Out

Jake Lindemyer believes Smoothie King made the right call in terminating employees who refused to serve him due to his Trump hoodie.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 42-year-old Michigan man named Jake Lindemyer says he was refused service at a Smoothie King in Ann Arbor because he was wearing a Donald Trump hoodie. Lindemyer believes the company had to take action by terminating the two young employees, including a 17-year-old, who denied him service. While Lindemyer never intended for anyone to lose their job, he feels the incident exemplifies the highly charged political climate in the U.S. and the need for better understanding between differing viewpoints.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and confrontations between political ideologies in the U.S., with conservatives often feeling shamed or discriminated against by liberals. It raises questions about the appropriate boundaries for businesses when it comes to serving customers with differing political views.

The details

Lindemyer and his wife Erika said they were ignored by the two young Smoothie King employees when they entered the Ann Arbor store. The employees then informed the couple they did not feel comfortable serving them because of Jake's Trump hoodie. Erika started recording the encounter, which went viral. Smoothie King later terminated the employees and said it is committed to ensuring its stores are free of discrimination.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 3, 2026.
  • Lindemyer's 18-year-old daughter started receiving threatening messages on social media after the incident, prompting the family to file a police report in Ann Arbor.

The players

Jake Lindemyer

A 42-year-old Michigan man who was refused service at a Smoothie King in Ann Arbor for wearing a Donald Trump hoodie.

Erika Lindemyer

Jake Lindemyer's wife, who recorded the encounter at the Smoothie King.

Smoothie King

The national smoothie chain that terminated the two employees who refused to serve the Lindemyers.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes we might get a look or something like that, but nothing to the extent of what this was.”

— Jake Lindemyer (Newsweek)

“I was kind of throw off guard and confused more than anything at first. It was surreal.”

— Jake Lindemyer (Newsweek)

“Not at all, I can't. It's something I believe in.”

— Jake Lindemyer (Newsweek)

“Our intentions were really to never have anyone fired from their job, but for that to happen to anyone else in the future possibly, I think Smoothie King may have may the right move.”

— Jake Lindemyer (Newsweek)

“It's just sad to see all of this happen like this. I feel that we have to be better as Americans—really, we do. Together, you know? United we stand, that's what it should be about.”

— Erika Lindemyer (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Lindemyer family has filed a police report in Ann Arbor after Jake's 18-year-old daughter received threatening messages on social media following the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the deep political divisions in the U.S. and the need for greater understanding and acceptance of differing viewpoints, even in the face of strong disagreements. While the Smoothie King employees' actions were controversial, the company's response in retraining staff and enforcing non-discrimination policies may serve as a model for how businesses can navigate these sensitive situations.