Taco Truck Owner Reports Threats, Fake Reviews and Doxxing After Catering GOP 'Trump Tailgate' Fundraiser

Deanna Bueno, owner of Bueno Tacos in Highland, a Detroit suburb, says her business has been subjected to threatening messages, one-star reviews and online posts that include images of her young children and staff after catering a July 27 fundraiser promoted as "Perry Johnson's Trump Tailgate." Bueno told The Independent she has reported the harassment to local law enforcement and to the Department of Homeland Security.

Why She Took the Job

Bueno said a friend asked her to cater the event. She stressed that Bueno Tacos does not take political positions and that the job had been prepaid, making it a practical decision for her family: "We decided to do it to make money to feed our families," she said. Bueno also noted she was not following political developments and was unaware whether the president would attend.

The Backlash

The backlash escalated after Perry Johnson posted about the gathering on July 26, describing it as "Perry Johnson's Trump Tailgate" with "all you can eat tacos" from "the patriots at Bueno Tacos." Following that post, Bueno reports a wave of abusive social media comments, phony reviews, and created profiles in her name. She shared screenshots showing hostile one-star Google reviews such as "Very bland" and "Not authentic," which she says were left by people who never visited the truck.

"The harassment is getting overwhelming. I'm waking up to a nightmare every morning," Bueno told The Independent.

Doxxing and Safety Concerns

More alarmingly, Bueno says images of her young children and teenage employees were posted online, and fake profiles were created using her name. Because of the escalating threats and the involvement of her family, she contacted law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security (her husband works for DHS).

The July 27 'Trump Tailgate' event was hosted by Perry Johnson, a GOP candidate for governor. Pictured: Johnson speaks on stage at the Republican National Convention on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Getty Images)

Context and Community Reaction

President Donald Trump separately visited a General Motors facility in Milford, Michigan, on July 27; his visit was unrelated to the taco truck's catering job. The Trump campaign has not endorsed Perry Johnson and has labeled him a "Never Trumper"; the president instead endorsed Rep. John James ahead of the August 4 primary.

Bueno has also received significant local support. Many commenters on the Bueno Tacos Facebook page condemned threats and defended the small business, saying that accepting paid work is a personal decision and that intimidation—especially involving children—is unacceptable.

Similar Incidents

A similar episode occurred earlier in Georgia, when Toast on Lenox, a Black-owned Atlanta restaurant, faced boycott threats after Republican nominee Rick Jackson posted a photo with the owner. The restaurant later clarified that the candidate was a customer and not an endorsed partner.

Authorities are investigating the harassment, and the episode highlights how small businesses can become targets of political controversy despite claiming no political affiliation. Bueno says she hopes the attention will subside and that her family and staff can return to normalcy.