Haley Popp, owner of Hive Bakery in Flower Mound, Texas, has faced intense backlash, including death threats, after selling cookies decorated with the likeness of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Ahead of the recent vice-presidential debate between Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance, Popp launched the custom blue-frosted cookies, promoting them on social media with a call to “get ready for the VP beats.”
However, shortly after her post, Hive Bakery received a flood of negative messages. Some users threatened Popp’s safety, while others expressed anger over the bakery’s open support for Democratic candidates. In response, Popp remained defiant, posting, “If you don’t like my political cookies, don’t come here.”
This is not the first time Popp has encountered backlash; her Pride-themed cookies in June also prompted hostile comments, with one person reportedly suggesting the bakery “burn down with all of us queers inside.” Popp shared that she has reported these incidents to the Flower Mound Police Department, though the threats have continued.
Following the success of the Walz cookies, Popp introduced another set featuring both Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris against an American flag backdrop. The demand for these cookies surged, with initial batches selling out quickly. Popp’s bakery, established in 2018, has gained additional recognition from her appearances on the Food Network’s Halloween Wars and The Big Bake.
Political-themed baked goods have become a trend nationwide, with bakeries like Busken Bakery in Cincinnati and Lochel’s Bakery in Pennsylvania using similar cookies to gauge election preferences. The latest “cookie polls” suggest a lead for Donald Trump in both Ohio and Pennsylvania.