Former Bravo reality television star Jennifer Welch sparked widespread controversy after calling for supporters of President Donald Trump to be banned from Mexican, Chinese, and Indian restaurants during a profanity-laden rant on her podcast. The interior designer and television personality made the inflammatory comments on the August 8 episode of her “I’ve Had It” podcast, which she co-hosts with Angie Sullivan.
Welch, who starred in Bravo’s reality series “Sweet Home Oklahoma,” targeted what she termed “triple Trumpers” – individuals who voted for Trump in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. She expressed frustration with white voters who support the president’s immigration policies while continuing to patronize restaurants operated by immigrants. The 52-year-old television personality argued that such individuals displayed hypocrisy by enjoying multicultural cuisine while backing what she characterized as anti-immigration stances.
During the podcast episode, Welch stated that Trump supporters should only be permitted to dine at restaurants like Cracker Barrel. She indicated that such voters should be boycotted and banned from enjoying what she described as America’s multiculturalism. The television personality also criticized Trump supporters who frequent gay hairdressers while opposing LGBTQ rights.
Welch’s co-host Angie Sullivan agreed with the sentiment and expanded the criticism to include female Trump voters. Sullivan suggested that women who support Trump should forfeit credit cards and bank accounts in their own names, arguing they should become completely dependent on men. She referenced what she characterized as the “golden age” mentality of making America great again, claiming it represents women having fewer rights than men.
The comments generated immediate backlash across social media platforms, with critics calling Welch’s remarks intolerant and hypocritical. Social media users described the television personality as pompous and arrogant, with some noting the irony of someone preaching tolerance while expressing hateful sentiments. Several commenters pointed out that Trump supporters include individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, contradicting Welch’s characterization.
A White House spokesperson responded to the controversy by describing Welch’s comments as out of touch with reality. The official statement criticized the former reality star’s perspective on American voters and their dining preferences. The response came as part of broader reactions from political figures and media personalities addressing the podcast segment.
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld also weighed in on the controversy during an episode of “The Five,” making disparaging comments about Welch’s appearance and claiming unfamiliarity with her television work. Gutfeld accused her of “white virtue signaling” and suggested her proposals would harm minority-owned businesses by reducing their customer base. He characterized Bravo as a network devoted to what he termed “Caucasian alcoholics.”
Welch gained recognition through Bravo’s “Sweet Home Oklahoma,” which aired for two seasons beginning in 2017. The show featured her life in Oklahoma City with family and friends, showcasing her work as an interior designer. Known as “The Sheriff” on the program, she established Jennifer Welch Designs, focusing on luxury kitchens and high-end office spaces with attention to detail.
The television personality’s personal life includes a complex relationship with Josh Welch, a former criminal defense attorney. The couple married in 2005 and share two sons, Dylan and Roman. They divorced in 2013 due to Josh’s addiction struggles but reconciled in 2015 after his recovery. While they live together, they have not remarried, with Welch previously stating they have already completed that chapter of their relationship.
Welch has been open about her ex-husband’s recovery journey and the importance of reducing stigma around addiction. She emphasized that addiction represents a disease people do not choose to have, explaining how this understanding helped her forgive him. The interior designer stressed the significance of honesty and compassion in addressing addiction-related challenges within families.
The “I’ve Had It” podcast, based in Oklahoma City, regularly features outspoken commentary on politics, pop culture, and social issues. Both hosts take liberal stances on various topics, which stands out given their location in a predominantly conservative city. The show’s format involves discussing topics that frustrate the co-hosts, as reflected in its title.
The controversy continues to generate discussion across social media platforms and news outlets, with supporters and critics debating the appropriateness of Welch’s comments. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political affiliations and business patronage in contemporary American discourse. Welch has not publicly addressed the widespread criticism or responded to Gutfeld’s remarks about her appearance and television career.
