White House touts 'Trump effect' as Bud Light owner announces eye-popping new investment in the US

By JON MICHAEL RAASCH, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 16:20, 22 April 2026 | Updated: 16:23, 22 April 2026 The White House is taking credit for a major brewery's massive US investment. Anheuser-Busch announced on Wednesday that it is investing $600 million into its US operations over the next two years.  The money will go to training workers, improving brewing capacity and hiring veterans, according to Fox News Business, which first reported the announcement. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the large investment is evidence of 'The Trump Effect.'  The administration has worked with large companies to ensure their operations stay in the US and that their products are 'Made in America.'  'Anheuser‑Busch is doubling down on investing in our US operations because we see strong, long-term growth opportunities right here at home,' the company's CEO, Brendan Whitworth, told Fox News Digital.  'When we invest in our US operations and expand training for our people and opportunities for our veterans, we strengthen communities and drive real economic prosperity.' 'This $600 million investment is about advancing American manufacturing, strengthening our supply chain, and creating lasting careers and a brighter future for US workers,' he continued. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated Anheuser‑Busch's new investment in US operations, claiming its part of 'The Trump Effect'  Anheuser‑Busch announced a $600 million investment into its US operations over the next two years The beer company noted that the cash infusion will go to 15 new training centers and veteran programs. It will also increase overall manufacturing capacity.  From 2025 through 2026, Anheuser-Busch will spend funds on upgrading existing breweries with more advanced technology.  The company previously announced a $300 million investment last year.   'This is yet another example of the Trump effect,' White House spokeswoman Liz Huston said.  'Thanks to President Trump’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding American industry, companies are investing in the United States, expanding manufacturing, creating good-paying jobs, and driving a new era of prosperity for the American people.' The manufacturing sector added 15,000 new jobs in March, according to the White House.  Still, Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee in Congress claim that the manufacturing industry had lost up to 108,000 jobs in the first year of Trump's second term.  'This $600 million investment is about advancing American, strengthening our supply chain, and creating lasting careers and a brighter future for US workers,' Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth said  The investment also comes as US consumers drink less beer.  According to a Gallup poll from August 2025, just 54 percent of Americans reported drinking alcohol. That figure was down from 60 percent in 2023 as health concerns over imbibing have grown.  Bud Light has also lost its brand appeal, resulting in Michelob Ultra becoming the best-selling beer in America by volume in September 2025.  The fall from grace comes after Bud Light partnered with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney in 2023, which prompted widespread boycotts that cost the company an estimated $1.4 billion in beer sales, CNN reported.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.