Written by Samuel Reed.
Heather Mullins, an independent journalist and enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump, recently faced an unexpected situation while flying with American Airlines. According to a report from the Daily Mail, Mullins claimed she experienced discrimination from a flight attendant due to her choice of headwear—a “Make America Great Again” hat.
In a social media post on X, Mullins recounted the incident, stating that the flight attendant deliberately skipped her drink order and displayed unprofessional behavior when confronted. “I’ve worn my MAGA hat every time I’ve flown for the last four years and got thousands of fist bumps,” Mullins wrote. “NEVER got any hate. Well, there’s a first time for everything. I just had the flight attendant for @AmericanAir SKIP ME in first class when asking everyone if they wanted a drink!!”
The post quickly gained traction, with many passengers and social media followers expressing their support for Mullins. By Tuesday morning, her post had amassed over 5 million views, illustrating the widespread attention and concern the incident generated.
The Aftermath and Response
Mullins didn’t just let the matter slide. She took proactive steps by recording the flight attendant’s badge number and gathering contact information from surrounding passengers to serve as witnesses. During her layover, Mullins attempted to file a formal complaint with American Airlines.
However, her efforts to report the incident faced hurdles. Initially directed to a supervisor, Mullins was told there would be a lengthy wait to speak with a customer service manager. Eventually, she was advised to submit an online complaint form instead. Frustrated, Mullins expressed her disappointment in another post, saying, “It’s sad that just happened in America. But so grateful for all the kind people around me saying how awful it was she did that to me. She’s an anomaly. Most people are not like that.”
Despite the initial lack of response, American Airlines ultimately acknowledged the issue and initiated an investigation into the incident, a move likely prompted by the viral nature of Mullins’ post and the substantial public interest it garnered.
A Call for Change
Heather Mullins, who began her career reporting on libertarian candidate Gary Johnson’s 2016 presidential campaign, didn’t stop at merely recounting her experience. She proposed a bold idea: that Donald Trump should start his own airline. Perhaps unaware of Trump’s previous attempt in the airline industry from 1989 to 1992, Mullins suggested that Trump could buy a fleet of planes and create a new commercial airline.
“Trump should buy a fleet of planes, wrap them all like this, and start his own commercial airline company,” Mullins said. “I would honestly never fly another airline again. Would you fly on a Trump plane?”
The notion of a Trump-branded airline certainly stirred conversation, reflecting Mullins’ loyalty and the broader sentiment of her supporters.
Our Take
This incident underscores a troubling trend of discrimination based on political beliefs, something that should not happen in any setting, let alone on a commercial flight. The treatment Heather Mullins received is unacceptable and highlights a significant issue that needs addressing. Political bias should never interfere with customer service. This kind of behavior erodes trust and divides people further. It is crucial for companies to ensure their employees provide unbiased, professional service to all customers, regardless of their personal beliefs or attire.
Airlines must establish and enforce strict guidelines against discrimination to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Public trust in these institutions is paramount, and when it’s compromised, the repercussions are far-reaching. The investigation by American Airlines is a step in the right direction, but there needs to be more comprehensive measures in place to ensure every passenger feels respected and valued.