Ann Arbor, Michigan – Monday — Two employees at a Smoothie King franchise in Ann Arbor were terminated after refusing to serve a couple when the husband entered wearing a hoodie featuring Donald Trump’s name.
The March 2 incident was recorded by the customer’s wife, Erika Lindemyer, and later posted to social media, where it quickly spread and sparked national debate. In the video, Lindemyer questions employees about why service was refused. One worker is heard saying they were uncomfortable and referencing concerns about discrimination.
According to reports, the husband, identified as Jake Lindemyer, was wearing a pro-Trump hoodie at the time. The couple left the store after the exchange, with Lindemyer stating she intended to contact authorities.
Smoothie King said in a public statement that the franchise owner conducted an investigation and that the two employees involved are no longer with the business. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining stores “free of discrimination of any kind” and said mandatory retraining would be implemented.
One of the terminated employees, Janiyah Mishelle, has since shared her account on social media, saying she felt uncomfortable serving the couple due to what the clothing represented to her personally. She did not allege threats or physical confrontation but described the moment as emotionally charged.
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Online reaction has been sharply divided. Some social media users have criticized the termination and called for boycotts, while others argue businesses must enforce neutral service policies regardless of political views.
