Swan Oyster Depot, a beloved seafood counter in San Francisco that’s served oysters through wars, earthquakes, and a century of political change, found itself at the center of controversy when a visitor spotted a “45/47” baseball cap—symbolizing former President Trump—and shared the image online.

TikToker Kat Ensign framed the cap as a veiled political endorsement and called for the restaurant’s closure. The clip exploded, and so did the outrage. Yelp and Google reviews were bombarded with one-star bombs. Calls for boycotts spread like wildfire.

But the restaurant stood its ground. Co-owner Kevin Sancimino calmly explained that the MAGA-themed cap was simply a gift from a customer, displayed among dozens of other political and pop-culture mementos, including memorabilia from Ronald Reagan to Hillary Clinton. Nothing more. Nothing less.

And yet, the storm grew.

AOC Weighs In

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez entered the conversation, not directly condemning the restaurant, but questioning the normalization of “Trump-aligned” symbolism in communal, family-owned public spaces.

She suggested that cities like San Francisco should consider discouraging partisan displays in businesses frequented by diverse populations.

While her comments gained praise from some progressives, they triggered intense backlash across the political spectrum—with critics decrying overreach, censorship, and cancel culture run amok.

Sen. Kennedy’s Shakespearean Masterstroke

That’s when Senator John Kennedy (R‑LA) delivered what many are calling the most brilliantly absurd—and satisfying—counterstrike of the entire drama.

In a widely shared op-ed, Kennedy transformed the situation into a theatrical satire. He reimagined the oysters themselves as dramatic characters—Sir Briny Fresh and Maestro Shucker—pleading for mercy at the sight of the MAGA cap.

“We’ve survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, and even avocado toast,” cried Sir Briny Fresh. “But this… this red hat? It’s our undoing!”

Kennedy mocked the hysteria with lines like:

“A single cap does not a coup make,”
and
“If a hat can close an oyster bar, what hope is there for a country where symbols mean more than service?”

It was equal parts hilarious and cutting, drawing viral applause even from those not aligned with Kennedy politically. The satire reframed the whole debate—not as politics, but as parody of politics.

The Public Turns the Tide

What was once a boycott morphed into a wave of support. Locals and tourists lined up outside Swan Oyster Depot—not just for the chowder, but to defend the principle of free expression.

Supporters rallied around signs reading “We Take All Hats” and “Mussels, Not Muzzles.”

A community fundraiser raised thousands to counteract the economic damage from negative reviews. City council members distanced themselves from AOC’s comments, affirming that small businesses have the right to decorate how they choose.

Swan Oyster Depot quietly put the MAGA hat back on the shelf—alongside items from both parties—with a simple sign:
“All Opinions Served Fresh Daily.”

Why This Matters

This wasn’t just about an oyster bar. It was about how easily symbolism becomes weaponized in America’s culture wars.

Free Speech vs. Cancel Culture: Can a business showcase customer memorabilia without being labeled politically?

Symbolism vs. Substance: Does a hat define an institution’s values—or does its century-long history speak louder?

Satire as Political Response: Senator Kennedy reminded the nation that sometimes, the best response isn’t a shouting match—it’s clever, well-timed humor.

The Final Word?

As the MAGA hat quietly returns to the shelf, nestled between a Reagan bobblehead and a Hillary Clinton biography, the lesson lingers: Civil discourse may be hanging by a thread, but laughter—and oysters—might just save it.

Senator Kennedy may have said it best (through his fictional oyster hero):

“We may be shellfish… but we know when a hat’s just a hat.”