By Kolby LaMarche

Burlington’s beloved Pho Hong restaurant, a staple for Vietnamese cuisine in downtown since its opening in the early 2000s, has found itself in a heated online debate over political expression. 

The controversy stems from social media posts made, or rather reposted, by owner, Lan Hong which have been described as aligning with MAGA (Make America Great Again) ideologies. 

These posts, shared on her personal Facebook account, have drawn criticism for promoting views seen by some as divisive, particularly regarding politics and immigration. 

The recent issue gained traction in local online forums and social media groups this past week, with community members sharing screenshots and discussions about Hong’s shared content. 

While the exact posts have not been publicly archived in full,records indicate they included strong opposition to left-leaning policies, a support for immigration enforcement and ICE, and commentary on the impacts of Communism – a system of government Hong knows all too well. 

One resident noted the posts involved “spreading hate,” though others contextualized them within Hong’s childhood and personal history.

Before immigrating to the United States in 1992, Hong was a street vendor in Vietnam – a nation which, at that time, continued to struggle from the consequences of war. Soon after, Hong resettled in Vermont through a federal program designed to aid those fleeing conflict and communism. 

Some years after the U.S. ended its Vietnamese refugee scheme, Hong got comfortable enough in Vermont with her family and, in 2008, opened their restaurant, Pho Hong. 

“Lan Phong is the mom who moved here from Vietnam with refugee resettlement and is extremely anti-communist, understandably so,” shared Liz Curry, former Burlington School District commissioner, in an online discussion, adding that this perspective appears to influence her views on “the left, other immigrants, etc.”

According to public campaign finance records, Hong’s social media postings match real financial support for Republican causes. 

Lan Hong, as well as the business Pho Hong Inc., has made multiple donations to the Republican National Committee and former President Donald Trump. 

These include contributions totaling over $10,000 in 2024 alone, such as $3,300 to Trump in September and $5,000 to the RNC in June. 

Earlier donations date back to 2019, mainly to Trump’s campaigns or supportive political action committees. While Hong’s donations are entirely legal and common expressions of political support, they have fueled discussions about the intersection of personal beliefs and business ownership in a politically diverse community like Burlington.

The restaurant, located on College Street, is a family-operated establishment known for its authentic pho, spring rolls, and welcoming atmosphere. It has long been a go-to spot for locals and University of Vermont students, earning praise for its contributions to the city’s prized multicultural dining scene. 

However, the revelations about Hong’s online activity have prompted soul-searching among patrons, with some expressing a reluctance to boycott, citing the business’s immigrant roots and the involvement of family members who may not share her views.

In response to inquiries from community members, one of Hong’s daughters addressed the concerns directly, “Pho Hong is a family owned business, and the other family members don’t share the same views as our mom,” she stated in a message. 

She explained that while “communism in Vietnam has informed her politics,” the family has discussed “how her posts are harmful, especially for other immigrants.” The daughter described it as “a lesson and learning experience for our mom that we hope she grows from,” and urged continued support for the restaurant.

“Trump and his supporters are the worst,” one resident, Jemima Talbot, wrote, yet admitted feeling “very conflicted” about impacting a local family. Another echoed concerns for “other members of the family and the impact this may have on them,” emphasizing that Pho Hong represents more than one person’s opinions.

In past years, other Burlington businesses have seen boycotts, although for different reasons. 

The 2023 boycott of Burlington Bay Market & Cafe erupted after a Black employee was abruptly fired following their report of racist behavior by a white co-worker, including alleged derogatory remarks and discriminatory actions. 

Protesters converged at the bustling corner of College and Lake streets, chanting for the dismissal of the accused employee and financial restitution for the terminated worker, framing the incident as emblematic of systemic racism in local workplaces. 

The cafe’s owners issued a statement citing adherence to internal policies, denying bias, but the outcry amplified calls from residents for mandatory “anti-racism training” across Burlington businesses.