A North Texas bakery is facing a wave of backlash after publishing a Fourth of July message criticizing the United States, the MAGA movement, and the Trump administration, reigniting debate over political statements from businesses and deepening tensions over patriotism and politics.
Hive Bakery, located in Flower Mound, posted a message on Facebook on Friday saying the owners did not want to celebrate Independence Day because they were “embarrassed, afraid, and disappointed” in what the country had become.
The bakery went on to criticize the MAGA movement, calling it “a cult” and accusing supporters of President Donald Trump of contributing to the nation’s problems.
The post also included profanity directed at the current political climate and expressed support for what the bakery described as “an AOC revolution.”
Although the bakery said it did not want to observe the holiday, it announced it would remain open on July 4.
The post quickly spread online, with critics and supporters weighing in over whether businesses should publicly take political positions.
The debate expanded beyond the local community as users argued over whether political messaging helps or harms small businesses.
Conservative critics on X accused the bakery of alienating customers in a conservative Texas community and questioned why the owners continued operating in an area where many residents disagree with their views.
One user wrote, “There’s plenty of places she can move. Why the hell does she stay here?”
Another questioned why the bakery remained in a Republican-leaning area, writing, “Why doesn’t she move her bakery to an area governed by people she idolizes? I’m sure AOC would love to have her open a business in the Bronx.”
Other users suggested the controversy could be a strategy to attract support from customers who share the bakery’s political views.
One commenter claimed the owner frequently makes similar statements and argued the posts could help generate publicity.
Another user wrote, “The Hive Bakery should have a Going Out of Business sale real soon.”
Some conservatives also encouraged others to leave critical comments on the bakery’s social media pages, adding to the online backlash.
The bakery also received support from people who defended its right to express political opinions.
Some commenters said they wanted to visit the business despite living far away, while others praised the bakery for standing by its beliefs.
In a July 4 video, Hive Bakery addressed the backlash by reading some of the comments it received after the original post.
The video featured both harsh criticism and messages of support from customers and online followers, according to Fox News.
The bakery later thanked supporters who visited the store, saying customers had traveled from around the Dallas-Fort Worth area and describing the response as support from a community that shared its views.
The Fourth of July message followed previous political disputes involving the bakery and its owner, Hayley Pop.
Last January, Hive Bakery drew online attention after Pop said the business faced backlash over posts criticizing Trump.
Speaking to WFAA at the time, she said the reaction included hostile messages, fake orders, and other negative responses, while supporters also rallied behind the bakery.
The controversy has once again placed the small Texas bakery at the center of a larger debate over political expression, consumer choices, and the growing divide over politics in American communities.
