You can’t miss it. If you’re driving down Route 220 through Franklin County, Virginia, your eyes will eventually hit a wall of red, white, and blue. It’s a 100-year-old church, but there aren't any hymns coming out of the rafters anymore. Instead, the old Boones Mill Christian Church has been transformed into a shrine of political commerce known as the Trump Store—or, as the owner likes to call it, Trump Town USA.
Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a fever dream.
Boones Mill is a tiny town. We’re talking about 250 people. It used to be famous for moonshine and being a bit of a speed trap for people heading toward Roanoke. Now? It’s the epicenter of a very specific kind of American pilgrimage. Whether you find it patriotic or a total eyesore depends entirely on your bumper stickers, but you can’t deny it has completely changed the vibe of this Appalachian village.
The Man Behind the Curtains
The store is the brainchild of Donald "Whitey" Taylor. He’s 74, a former promoter who owns the Franklin County Speedway, and he's got the kind of energy that makes you think he could sell ice to an Eskimo—or, in this case, gold sneakers to a Virginian.
Taylor says the whole idea came from a "calling." He claims he was praying with his son when he felt he needed to help Donald Trump. He started small, ordering a thousand shirts. His son told him to only get a hundred. Taylor went big. He sold every single one. By September 2020, he had bought the old church and turned it into the megastore it is today.
📖 Related: Why Fox Has a Problem: The Identity Crisis at the Top of Cable News
He didn't stop at just selling hats. Taylor actually tried to run for mayor of Boones Mill in 2024. He wanted to officially rename the town "Trump Town." He lost that election pretty handily to the incumbent, Victor Conner, who is a funeral home owner and bluegrass musician. Even in a town that votes heavily Republican, people weren't quite ready to delete "Boones Mill" from the map.
Inside the Church of MAGA
Walking inside is... a lot.
The pews are gone. In their place are racks and racks of everything you can imagine. We aren't just talking about "Make America Great Again" hats. There are:
- Mugs featuring the famous Georgia mugshot (the "mug on a mug" as Taylor calls it).
- Trump-themed inflatable pool floats.
- Gold-colored sneakers.
- Life-sized cardboard cutouts.
- Keychains shaped like, well, let's just say "anatomical" items.
The inventory moves fast. Taylor says he uses about a dozen different suppliers to keep things fresh. He doesn't sell "official" campaign merchandise; it’s all third-party, which allows for more... creative... designs. When Trump was indicted or when he survived the assassination attempt in July 2024, the store didn't just stay busy—it got mobbed. Taylor reported staying open until midnight just to handle the lines.
👉 See also: The CIA Stars on the Wall: What the Memorial Really Represents
Controversy and Courtrooms
It hasn't been all sales and selfies.
The store has been a lightning rod for drama. Neighbors have complained about the traffic and the "gaudy" look of the place. But the real heat came in late 2024 and early 2025. Taylor was hit with several misdemeanor charges including assault, battery, and indecent exposure after three former employees swore out warrants against him.
The allegations were heavy. One woman claimed he exposed himself in the back room; another said he grabbed her. Taylor’s defense was basically that "none of this happened" and that it was a political hit job or a cover-up for alleged embezzlement by the employees.
In March 2025, a judge in Franklin County acquitted Taylor of all those charges. The testimony was messy and conflicting, and since there were no eyewitnesses, the judge ruled there wasn't enough evidence to convict.
✨ Don't miss: Passive Resistance Explained: Why It Is Way More Than Just Standing Still
Why It Still Matters in 2026
You might think a store like this would fade away after an election cycle. Nope.
As of early 2026, the Trump Store in Boones Mill is still standing. It has become more than a shop; it’s a clubhouse for people looking for "kindred hearts." Taylor has even talked about building a "liebrary"—a museum dedicated to what he views as the lies told about Trump.
The town itself is moving on to other things, too. Recently, Boones Mill made news for holding public hearings about cannabis sales. It’s a weird contrast: a massive MAGA store on one corner and discussions about legal weed on the other.
What to Know Before You Go
If you're planning a drive-by or a visit, here’s the ground reality:
- It’s on Route 220: You literally cannot miss it if you’re driving between Martinsville and Roanoke.
- Parking can be tight: Especially on weekends or during big political news weeks.
- The vibe is intense: Expect loud music, lots of flags, and very passionate conversations. If you aren't a fan, it’s probably best to just keep driving.
- Check the hours: While it’s usually open during standard retail hours, Taylor has been known to keep the lights on late if the crowd is there.
The Trump Store in Boones Mill is a physical manifestation of the political divide in America. To some, it’s a beacon of hope and a fun roadside attraction. To others, it’s a stain on a quiet mountain town. But one thing is for sure—Whitey Taylor isn't going anywhere, and as long as there’s a market for red hats, that old church is going to keep selling them.
If you're interested in the local impact, keep an eye on the Boones Mill town council meetings. The tension between the town's traditional identity and its new "Trump Town" reputation is a story that's still being written.