Anheuser-Busch is pouring $600 million into its U.S. operations over the next two years, betting on American manufacturing growth and further rehabbing its brand ahead of the summer of patriotism, America's 250.

The iconic, St. Louis-based brewer is making the investment in the aftermath of a 2023 marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney that resulted in sales plummeting by as much as 30% and the loss of roughly $1 billion in domestic revenue. 

Today, Anheuser-Busch, under parent company AB InBev, has regained its perch as the country's No.1 brewer. But whether the roughly 174-year-old brewer can fully restore its image among Americans is an open question. 

"Anheuser-Busch was the embodiment of woke capitalism, and it is still desperately trying to rehabilitate its image," Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of the Job Creators Network, recently told Just The News. "While its investment in American operations and training reflects the strong American economy under President Trump, this move is mostly a PR play to try to get back pro-American consumers.

"It's unlikely to be enough. Anheuser-Busch needs to make a bolder and more enduring commitment to traditional American principles like free enterprise and small businesses to truly atone for its woke phase and win over heartland consumers."

The beer giant, which produces 99% of the beer it sells domestically, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser and embattled Bud Light, plans to expand brewery capacity and open 15 new technical training centers, the company announced.

The investment, which builds on a $300 million investment announced in 2025, will also broaden veteran hiring programs, including a new SmartResume platform to match military skills with jobs. 

The investment aims to upskill 90% of its manufacturing workforce over five years in digital systems, mechanical, electrical and management skills while strengthening the domestic supply chain.

“Anheuser-Busch is doubling down on investing in our U.S. operations because we see strong, long-term growth opportunities right here at home,” AB InBev CEO Brendan Whitworth said in a statement. 

“This $600 million investment is about advancing American manufacturing, strengthening our supply chain, and creating lasting careers and a brighter future for U.S. workers.” 

White House spokeswoman Liz Huston called the move “yet another example of the Trump effect,” crediting President Donald Trump’s policies to rebuild American industry, including new tariffs on imported steel, aluminum and copper. The announcement follows the addition of 15,000 manufacturing jobs in March.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Mulvaney partnership was with Bud Light, once America’s best-selling beer for more than two decades, and included the influencer posting an Instagram video promoting the brand with a personalized commemorative can during March Madness. 

The partnership drew sharp criticism from conservative commentators and celebrities, including Kid Rock, who posted a video of himself shooting cases of the beer, sparking calls for a boycott over the brand’s association with Mulvaney.

Anheuser-Busch initially described the can as a one-off gift and later issued a statement from Whitworth saying the company never intended to divide people and was focused on bringing them together over beer.