Barron Trump Faces Fierce Backlash Over Yerba Mate Beverage Launch
Barron Trump is at the center of a heated cultural controversy as his new beverage company, Sollos Yerba Mate, prepares for a May launch. Social media erupted with criticism accusing the Trump son and his partners of cultural appropriation linked to the traditional South American herbal tea.
The 20-year-old is listed as a director of Sollos Yerba Mate, alongside Spencer Bernstein, Rudolfo Castello, Stephen Hall, and Valentino Gomez. Bernstein and Hall recently announced pausing their studies at Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame to fully focus on this venture. The brand has promoted its ties to the South Florida lifestyle and the “Sunshine State,” while leveraging the Spanish word “sol” for sun in its name.
Public Outcry Links Business to Trump’s Controversial Immigration Stance
The backlash stems from the cultural significance of yerba mate, a beverage deeply rooted in Indigenous Guaraní and Paraguayan heritage. Critics highlighted the clash between the Trump family’s history of anti-Latino rhetoric and profiting off a product fundamental to Latin American cultures. The company’s Instagram was flooded with sharply worded comments.
“Nice cultural appropriation…They don’t want Latinos in the U.S. but they want their products,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another pointed to the irony of the Spanish-derived brand name while condemning the family’s policies: “Given Daddy Cheeto’s policies, shouldn’t this be called ICE or WHITE or something?”
Many emphasized the historical and emotional weight of yerba mate. “Yerba mate carries real history and survival, and shouldn’t be sold by the son of the man who loathes Latinos,” one comment harshly criticized.
Business Registration and Team Behind the Brand
Company records confirm Barron Trump as an official director, a detail that has intensified scrutiny. His partners include individuals with Latin heritage, such as Rudolfo Castello and Valentino Gomez, which complicates the backlash but has not stemmed online outrage.
Sollos publicly markets itself as a product born from a Florida outdoor lifestyle, designed to cater to year-round sunshine and active living. However, the heritage and cultural roots of yerba mate have sparked widespread debate about authenticity and respect.
What Happens Next?
With the product launch less than a month away, all eyes are on how Sollos Yerba Mate will respond to the controversy and whether Barron Trump or the company will address the growing accusations publicly. The debate underscores ongoing tensions around cultural appropriation and business ethics in the United States.
As this story develops, Delaware and US audiences remain attentive to how this young entrepreneur’s venture evolves amid significant public backlash tied directly to broader political and cultural issues.
