Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A local bar in Milwaukee has made a bold decision to close its doors during the upcoming Republican National Convention this summer. The owner of The Mothership, Ricky Ramirez, took to the bar’s Instagram page to inform customers of the closure, citing a desire to avoid the chaos that he believes the convention will bring to the city. Ramirez expressed his disdain for what he called the “Trump-inspired ‘shitshow'” and stated that he does not wish to be associated with the event.
Ramirez described the decision as the bar’s “Bud Light moment” with Republicans, drawing a comparison to the conservative-led boycott of the beer company over its ad partnership with a transgender influencer. Despite potential backlash from Trump supporters, Ramirez remains steadfast in his choice to keep the bar closed during the Republican National Convention week. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he emphasized that he is not concerned about losing customers who disagree with his stance.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding Ramirez for taking a stand and others criticizing him for potentially alienating a portion of his customer base. Ramirez, however, appears unfazed by the criticism, stating that those who have voiced their disapproval likely have never even visited his bar. His decision to prioritize his principles over potential profits underscores the increasing polarization surrounding political events and the impact they can have on small businesses.
As Milwaukee prepares to host the Republican National Convention, the closure of The Mothership serves as a reminder of the divisive nature of politics and the challenges faced by business owners in navigating such contentious situations. Ramirez’s bold move has sparked a conversation about the intersection of politics and commerce, shedding light on the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with professional considerations in today’s increasingly polarized society.