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Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case

Erika Kirk and Donald Trump Jr. were present at Monday's preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.

News

Utah prosecutors began presenting their evidence Monday at the preliminary hearing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tyler Robinson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-killing-suspect-arrested" data-vars-content-id="74b1d8b5-f07f-4d41-af8b-61f66705478a" data-vars-headline="Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirk-killing-suspect-arrested" target="_self">Tyler Robinson</a>, who is accused of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatally shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" data-vars-content-id="74b1d8b5-f07f-4d41-af8b-61f66705478a" data-vars-headline="Tyler Robinson appears for hearing in Charlie Kirk killing case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university" target="_self">fatally shooting</a> conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year.Why it matters: The weeklong hearing in Provo will help Judge Tony Graf determine whether there&#x27;s enough evidence to send the case to trial in what could become one of the nation&#x27;s most-watched criminal cases.

To seek execution in Charlie Kirk's murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law

Here are the factors that have led to Utah death sentences in the past 50 years.

To get the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death penalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/08/utah-executes-first-death-row-inmate-taberon-honie" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/08/utah-executes-first-death-row-inmate-taberon-honie" target="_self">death penalty</a> in Utah, a defendant has to commit &quot;aggravated murder&quot; — that is, a murder that&#x27;s particularly heinous, committed alongside other crimes, or involves other factors that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state law" data-vars-click-url="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S202.html?v=C76-5-S202_2025050720250507" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S202.html?v=C76-5-S202_2025050720250507" target="_blank">state law</a> deems exceptional.Why it matters: At a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preliminary hearing this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/06/preliminary-hearing-evidence-charlie-kirk-case-tyler-robinson" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/06/preliminary-hearing-evidence-charlie-kirk-case-tyler-robinson" target="_self">preliminary hearing this week</a>, a judge is deciding whether Tyler Robinson can be charged with aggravated murder, which would make him <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligible for the death penalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/charlie-kirk-suspect-facing-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/charlie-kirk-suspect-facing-death-penalty" target="_self">eligible for the death penalty</a> if he&#x27;s convicted in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" data-vars-content-id="a9115c5e-0890-4d12-9d5e-74d2e1c55d22" data-vars-headline="To seek execution in Charlie Kirk&#x27;s murder, prosecutors turn to a seldom-used provision in Utah law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-turning-point" target="_self">fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk </a>at UVU in September.

Why Idaho Falls is a hidden gem of the Mountain West

In this western city, the River Walk is the improbable beating heart of hometown pride.

If you&#x27;re traveling north and need a stopping point, Idaho Falls is one of the nicest surprises I&#x27;ve found in the West.The intrigue: My family got stuck there this week because our car broke down, so it shouldn&#x27;t have been fun.

Buc-ee's watch, Utah edition

Where we've been and where we're going, vis à vis the most anticipated gas station opening in Utah memory.

When marking your calendar for major events on Utah&#x27;s horizon, your mind might drift toward the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2034 Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/24/salt-lake-city-2034-winter-olympics-host-utah" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/24/salt-lake-city-2034-winter-olympics-host-utah" target="_self">2034 Olympics</a> or next year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake Temple open house" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/13/temple-square-visitors-center-lds-mormon-sneak-peek" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/13/temple-square-visitors-center-lds-mormon-sneak-peek" target="_self">Salt Lake Temple open house</a>.<ul><li>We are no longer convinced either of those is the real biggie, now that we&#x27;ve read our colleagues&#x27; recent reports about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/queen-city-quarter-epicentre-uptown-development" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/17/queen-city-quarter-epicentre-uptown-development" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> grand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="openings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/09/bucees-store-huber-heights-ohio-open" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/09/bucees-store-huber-heights-ohio-open" target="_self">openings</a> in other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/10/buc-ees-mebane-north-carolina-gas-station" data-vars-content-id="a6db37cd-6afa-4148-ab28-90e52c4ae29a" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s watch, Utah edition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/10/buc-ees-mebane-north-carolina-gas-station" target="_self">states</a>. </li></ul>

Q&A: Ben McAdams on his primary victory, Trump and the road to November

Axios interviewed the former U.S. representative moments after he won Tuesday's primary for Utah's blue-leaning House seat.

We caught up with former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams just moments after his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/ben-mcadams-wins-utah-democratic-primary-2026" data-vars-content-id="3bce2484-6ab5-4e90-abab-10085323708c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Ben McAdams on his primary victory, Trump and the road to November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/ben-mcadams-wins-utah-democratic-primary-2026" target="_self">primary win</a> for Utah&#x27;s newly drawn 1st Congressional District on Tuesday.State of play: He now faces GOP challenger Riley Owen, an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, in November.

How data centers drove Utah's primaries

Some incumbents survived accusations of data center support — but most did not.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Senate President Stuart Adams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/senate-president-stuart-adams-concedes-gop-primary-results-dan-mccay" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/senate-president-stuart-adams-concedes-gop-primary-results-dan-mccay" target="_self">State Senate President Stuart Adams</a>&#x27; defeat in Tuesday&#x27;s primary is being held up as a warning against support for data centers — but statewide results paint a more nuanced picture.The big picture: Adams&#x27; loss to lawyer Stephanie Hollist is a major disruption in Utah politics, one that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="observers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/us/j-stuart-adams-utah-senate-data-center.html" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/us/j-stuart-adams-utah-senate-data-center.html" target="_blank">observers</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-06-24/election-2026-utah-primary-stuart-adams-dan-mccay-trevor-lee" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-06-24/election-2026-utah-primary-stuart-adams-dan-mccay-trevor-lee" target="_blank">experts</a> ascribe to his role in ushering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive Stratos data center proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" data-vars-content-id="786c633c-ad85-4a02-9466-cf92fedb8464" data-vars-headline="How data centers drove Utah&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-data-center-kevin-oleary" target="_self">massive Stratos data center proposal</a> into Box Elder County.

Senate President Stuart Adams concedes in GOP primary

Senate President Stuart Adams isn't alone in trailing behind an intraparty challenger.

Senate President Stuart Adams conceded his reelection bid Tuesday after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early results" data-vars-click-url="https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/Utah/elections/Primary06232026" data-vars-content-id="d807224c-1f39-4191-9817-107bb4240bdb" data-vars-headline="Senate President Stuart Adams concedes in GOP primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/Utah/elections/Primary06232026" target="_blank">early results</a> showed him falling behind GOP primary challenger Stephanie Hollist. The big picture: Adams, who has served in the Senate for nearly two decades, is one of the state&#x27;s most powerful politicians and faced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his first-ever primary" data-vars-click-url="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/06/23/utah-senate-president-stuart-adams-republican-primary-election-results/" data-vars-content-id="d807224c-1f39-4191-9817-107bb4240bdb" data-vars-headline="Senate President Stuart Adams concedes in GOP primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/06/23/utah-senate-president-stuart-adams-republican-primary-election-results/" target="_blank">his first-ever primary</a> this year, per Utah News Dispatch.

Incumbents Maloy and Moore defeat GOP right flank

They survived challenges from firebrand Phil Lyman and state lawmaker Karianne Lisonbee

Incumbents were victorious in Utah&#x27;s Republican Congressional primaries Tuesday.Why it matters: The AP reports U.S. Reps. Blake Moore and Celeste Maloy both survived challenges from the right in deep red districts, suggesting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah GOP&#x27;s MAGA swing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/11/25/trump-margin-utah-vote-share" data-vars-content-id="4a2095f1-8acd-4b44-92e5-97fefa876f92" data-vars-headline="Incumbents Maloy and Moore defeat GOP right flank" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/11/25/trump-margin-utah-vote-share" target="_self">Utah GOP&#x27;s MAGA swing</a> may have reached its limit.

Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah's 1st District

The primary victory positions former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams for a political comeback.

Former U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ben McAdams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/04/ben-mcadams-1st-congressional-district-race-primary" data-vars-content-id="f5d3f1c1-15bf-41fb-a274-2e6ea68b1358" data-vars-headline="Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah&#x27;s 1st District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/04/ben-mcadams-1st-congressional-district-race-primary" target="_self">Ben McAdams</a> has won the Democratic nomination for Utah&#x27;s 1st Congressional District race, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/utah-house-democrats-primary-election-7056aa4374606a37bbc6f9deb33a4733" data-vars-content-id="f5d3f1c1-15bf-41fb-a274-2e6ea68b1358" data-vars-headline="Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah&#x27;s 1st District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-house-democrats-primary-election-7056aa4374606a37bbc6f9deb33a4733" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.Why it matters: The primary victory positions McAdams for a political comeback in a newly drawn, court-ordered district that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats are heavily favored to win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/13/utah-democrats-congressional-district-map-mcadams-riebe" data-vars-content-id="f5d3f1c1-15bf-41fb-a274-2e6ea68b1358" data-vars-headline="Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah&#x27;s 1st District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/13/utah-democrats-congressional-district-map-mcadams-riebe" target="_self">Democrats are heavily favored to win</a> in November, potentially ending Utah&#x27;s all-GOP House delegation.

How to vote in Utah on primary Election Day

Midterm primaries don't draw the same attention as a presidential election, but they can be just as consequential.

It&#x27;s primary Election Day and, so far, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over 160,000 Utahns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/hows-utah-voter-turnout-looking-ahead-of-tuesdays-primary-about-normal" data-vars-content-id="586659b2-7c1b-426f-9eee-bdc4a1eb5fb9" data-vars-headline="How to vote in Utah on primary Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/hows-utah-voter-turnout-looking-ahead-of-tuesdays-primary-about-normal" target="_blank">over 160,000 Utahns</a> have cast their ballots.The big picture: Midterm primaries don&#x27;t draw the same attention as a presidential election, but they can be just as consequential, especially in Utah, where Republicans tend to dominate statewide races.

Democrats decry Utah Supreme Court expansion

Changes to the judiciary follow several Utah Supreme Court decisions, particularly on redistricting and abortion, that left Republicans furious.

Senate Democrats are pushing back against two Utah Supreme Court confirmations, arguing the appointments are aimed at politicizing the state&#x27;s highest court.Why it matters: Changes to the judiciary follow several Utah Supreme Court decisions, particularly on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/25/utah-redistricting-congressional-maps-debate-tension" data-vars-content-id="67cc6ba5-ae91-41cd-ae34-86b507403158" data-vars-headline="Democrats decry Utah Supreme Court expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/25/utah-redistricting-congressional-maps-debate-tension" target="_self">redistricting</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/01/utah-abortion-ban-supreme-court-injunction" data-vars-content-id="67cc6ba5-ae91-41cd-ae34-86b507403158" data-vars-headline="Democrats decry Utah Supreme Court expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/01/utah-abortion-ban-supreme-court-injunction" target="_self">abortion</a>, that left Republicans furious.

Utah County's deputy elections clerk said he opposes voting rights for married women

The online provocateur also said he wants to abolish gay marriage.

A BYU student and online provocateur who&#x27;s said he opposes voting rights for all adults, has drawn ire after being appointed Utah County&#x27;s deputy elections clerk. Catch up quick: The elevation of Kai Schwemmer, who also is political director for College Republicans of America, prompted more than 80 Utah women in leadership positions to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decried his appointment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/female-leaders-utah-county-deputy-clerk-sexist/" data-vars-content-id="d104dc64-5495-481f-b87f-5e4c71b287d2" data-vars-headline="Utah County&#x27;s deputy elections clerk said he opposes voting rights for married women" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/female-leaders-utah-county-deputy-clerk-sexist/" target="_blank">decried his appointment</a> last week.

The Utah coffee company behind Trump's White House dirt bike show

The Utah company has branded itself around conservative politics.

A Utah coffee company got major airtime this weekend as the chief sponsor of President Trump&#x27;s birthday dirt bike show on the White House lawn.The intrigue: West Valley City-based Black Rifle Coffee is among the corporate advertisers critics are accusing of using the White House and other National Park Service sites for commercial gain.Driving the news: Black Rifle&#x27;s logo appeared behind the &quot;Nitro Circus&quot; ramp as motocross stars like Travis Pastrana and Ricky Carmichael soared and flipped over the south lawn Saturday as part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;UFC250&quot; cage fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/ufc-white-house-preview-trump-dana-white" target="_self">&quot;UFC250&quot; cage fight</a> Trump staged this weekend to celebrate his 80th birthday.Catch up quick: This was far from Black Rifle Coffee&#x27;s first foray into right-wing politics.<ul><li>The anti-&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hipster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/blackriflecoffeeco/videos/543663172438252/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/blackriflecoffeeco/videos/543663172438252/" target="_blank">hipster</a>&quot; company supports the conservative-leaning &quot;Blue Lives Matter&quot; movement, and its marketing borrows heavily from imagery and aesthetics popularized by gun enthusiasts, Mother Jones <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/02/black-rifle-coffee-company/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/02/black-rifle-coffee-company/" target="_blank">reported</a>.</li><li>The company expressed &quot;disgust&quot; with Starbucks&#x27; 2017 effort to hire Syrian refugees, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="characterizing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-owned-black-rifle-coffee-company-stands-up-for-small-businesses-and-america-while-disgusted-by-starbucks-propaganda-300402198.html" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-owned-black-rifle-coffee-company-stands-up-for-small-businesses-and-america-while-disgusted-by-starbucks-propaganda-300402198.html" target="_blank">characterizing</a> it as an affront to veterans amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pro-Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-rifle-coffee-gains-fans-by-backing-trump-2017-2" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-rifle-coffee-gains-fans-by-backing-trump-2017-2" target="_blank">pro-Trump</a> boycott.</li><li>It&#x27;s been endorsed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Donald Trump Jr." data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-jr-plugs-pro-trump-black-rifle-coffee-company-2017-11" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-jr-plugs-pro-trump-black-rifle-coffee-company-2017-11" target="_blank">Donald Trump Jr.</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sean Hannity" data-vars-click-url="https://theoutline.com/post/4709/black-rifle-the-worlds-only-pro-gun-coffee-company-is-endorsed-by-sean-hannity-but-should-be-consumed-by-no-one?zd=1&amp;zi=bhkkpnjh" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theoutline.com/post/4709/black-rifle-the-worlds-only-pro-gun-coffee-company-is-endorsed-by-sean-hannity-but-should-be-consumed-by-no-one?zd=1&amp;zi=bhkkpnjh" target="_blank">Sean Hannity</a>.</li></ul>The other side: After viral photos showed the company&#x27;s merchandise being worn by Jan. 6 insurrectionists and Kyle Rittenhouse, company statements tried to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="distance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/utah-based-coffee-company-addresses-connection-to-rittenhouse/?fbclid=IwAR09kjgnQ6ESAorneZajZ6VcdiSV9xhyv_uJr57OuIRMeXttmChKJm_njSM" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/utah-based-coffee-company-addresses-connection-to-rittenhouse/?fbclid=IwAR09kjgnQ6ESAorneZajZ6VcdiSV9xhyv_uJr57OuIRMeXttmChKJm_njSM" target="_blank">distance</a> the brand from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="right-wing extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/magazine/black-rifle-coffee-company.html" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/magazine/black-rifle-coffee-company.html" target="_blank">right-wing extremism</a>.<ul><li>That led to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backlash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.salon.com/2021/07/17/far-right-rushes-to-find-new-cup-of-joe-after-maga-friendly-black-rifle-coffee-denounces-extremists/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.salon.com/2021/07/17/far-right-rushes-to-find-new-cup-of-joe-after-maga-friendly-black-rifle-coffee-denounces-extremists/" target="_blank">backlash</a> from some of its conservative fans.</li></ul>The company did not respond to Axios&#x27; query about its involvement in the weekend&#x27;s event.The big picture: Massive corporate ads from other companies also appeared at the UFC fight itself and an earlier weigh-in at the Lincoln Memorial.Zoom out: Lawyers for previous presidents of both parties have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="described" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/white-house-egg-roll-sponsors-00299714" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/white-house-egg-roll-sponsors-00299714" target="_blank">described</a> corporate sponsorship at White House events as unethical &quot;influence peddling.&quot;The fine print: In a failed legal effort to stop the weekend&#x27;s events, ethics watchdog groups <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="joined" data-vars-click-url="https://ctmirror.org/2026/06/12/ufc-fight-white-house-grounds-trump-advertisements/" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ctmirror.org/2026/06/12/ufc-fight-white-house-grounds-trump-advertisements/" target="_blank">joined</a> two Virginia residents in describing the display as &quot;a corrupt bargain&quot; in which Trump granted &quot;an extraordinary business opportunity&quot; to the companies involved.<ul><li>A federal judge allowed the events to proceed, saying the residents lacked legal standing for an injunction.</li></ul>Zoom in: Other critics called the events and advertising &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vulgar" data-vars-click-url="https://bsky.app/profile/gailhelt.bsky.social/post/3moau4kgxc22u" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bsky.app/profile/gailhelt.bsky.social/post/3moau4kgxc22u" target="_blank">vulgar</a>,&quot; &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a mark of decline" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/Kallias_Lives/status/2066183144957489193" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/Kallias_Lives/status/2066183144957489193" target="_blank">a mark of decline</a>&quot; and — wryly — &quot;a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="perfect representation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02jG2FrmhbrRJf6dkMG6TvWvLzxqHFgRezJbZqvFgQy1KXsrm4XoNdAz32Mcv5YGADl&amp;id=61584316393941" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02jG2FrmhbrRJf6dkMG6TvWvLzxqHFgRezJbZqvFgQy1KXsrm4XoNdAz32Mcv5YGADl&amp;id=61584316393941" target="_blank">perfect representation</a> of where we are as a country.&quot;<ul><li>The appearance of U.S. Marines at attention in front of the ramp also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drew ire" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/crimenycrud/status/2066024869037518877" data-vars-content-id="776c3e62-a9e1-4e46-ae0d-6b0a9621729f" data-vars-headline="The Utah coffee company behind Trump&#x27;s White House dirt bike show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/crimenycrud/status/2066024869037518877" target="_blank">drew ire</a>.</li></ul>

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