A conservative vlogger is accusing a popular Chinese fast food chain of “blatant political discrimination” after workers called the police over his red Make America Great Again baseball cap.
In a recent post to X, Chris Sims shared a video of the incident, which took place at a Panda Express location in Washington state, where the hat, which is regularly worn by supporters of President Donald J. Trump, apparently triggered one of the eatery’s cooks.
“Panda Express kicked out @DannyRebel333 and Myself out for Simply for wearing a MAGA hat, and giving a thumbs up to a cook that just stood and Stared at me the whole time because of my Hat,” Sims wrote. “I asked if there was an issue and the cook said ‘You’re Hat’ so I asked if he supported it.”
Panda Express kicked out @DannyRebel333 and Myself out for Simply for wearing a MAGA hat, and giving a thumbs up to a cook that just stood and Stared at me the whole time because of my Hat.
I asked if there was an issue and the cook said “You’re Hat” so I asked if he supported… pic.twitter.com/AMILi6yxe9
— Chris Sims (@ChrisxSims) May 11, 2026
“They proceeded to call the police, and falsely say we were refusing to leave,” he continued. “I left the store and stood on the side walk and multiple employees came out to intimidate me to leave and stop filming on the public sidewalk.”
“The Police informed the staff that we did nothing wrong, the woman who called 911 cried and walked back into the building,” Sims added of the cops’ response to the ridiculous call. “No crime, No disturbance, Just a hat and a Thumbs up.”
“This is blatant political discrimination,” he concluded. “Panda Express should be ashamed and hold its employees to higher standards.”
The two vloggers were livestreaming their visit to Panda Express when the hat triggered the employees.
X users served up their takes on the emotionally fragile employees’ frivolous false report to the cops after their softer than Chinese dumplings psyches were wounded by something as harmless as a red hat.
Panda Express reportedly kicked out customers for wearing MAGA hats
BOYCOTT @PandaExpress
Don’t give your money to people who hate you! https://t.co/OvtBylUvR7
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 17, 2026
Imagine what they are doing to the food of customers with differing political perspectives. Not sure anyone should feel safe eating @PandaExpress
— Humanzee (@Humanzee8) May 11, 2026
Looks like @PandaExpress wants to lose half the customer base in the country.
I bet they’d be fine if you walking in terrorist garb or any other political message.
Do they serve Bud Light?Your employees that unlawfully chased and harassed these people need to go, and we need a…
— spikygeek (@spikygeek) May 11, 2026
Thanks for posting. Our last visit to @PandaExpress WILL be our last. We don’t need to be around employees that are suffering from mental disease and are so deep into a cult of hate that they are triggered by a hat. Panda Express – DO BETTER. Half of this nation is…
— bodysoulsone (@SherryP70005680) May 11, 2026
Imagine being a low skilled worker at Panda Express and getting upset over a Trump hat. Try getting your life together, idiot
— Rick (@Shockvalues) May 11, 2026
They should of arrested the person who called the police on false reporting.
— LS Knip (@KnipLs) May 11, 2026
A spokesperson for Panda Restaurant Group told Fox News Digital that “We want everyone who walks into Panda Express to feel welcome and treated with respect,” acknowledging the incident.
“We have been reviewing the details and understand the situation was handled and addressed at the restaurant level. We’ve reinforced to all our associates the importance of delivering a consistent, welcoming experience for every guest,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
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