Profane Pro-Donald Trump Sign Costs Nashville Gas Station

NASHVILLE, TN — Among other things, the First Amendment guarantees American citizens the right to speech free of government imposition. The First Amendment does not, however, guarantee speech without consequences. For example, there's no constitutional protection against losing a lucrative fuel distribution contract with a image-conscious multinational gasoline concern.

The owners of Lewis Country Store on Ashland City Highway said that a series of controversial and often profane pro-Donald Trump messages on the business' electronic sign led Shell Oil to terminate its contract with the station.

The station gained notoriety in recent months for its sign, which brightly flashed messages including "#TrumpThatB----," which is a likely unintended allusion to a song from Memphis rap film "Hustle & Flow." Most controversially, however, was the message reading "“The only p---- Trump ever grabbed was Paul Ryan," though it is unclear what, exactly, that message refers to, as the Republican nominee has not been accused of manhandling the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Saturday, the sign read, less obscenely "Now that we have your attention, never forget Benghazi, she did it to them, she will do it to you,” plus the "#TrumpThatB----" hashtag and "All deplorables must vote Nov. 8."

It's notable that Lewis Country Store's road-fronting signage is primarily branded with Shell logos, which likely created some uncomfortable moments as the images went viral.

Shell confirmed that it dropped the contract in a statement.

"Similar to other major fuel brands, Shell retail fuels business in the U.S. primarily supplies quality motor fuels to wholesalers who operate under the Shell brand and sell Shell-branded fuels. Independent wholesalers must adhere to branding guidelines set forth in our licensing agreements. When there are violations, we ask that they are addressed. Continued violations could result in additional actions taken, including potential de-branding of the site. We can confirm that Lewis Country Store, located at Old Hickory Boulevard and Ashland City Highway in Northwest Davidson County, is no longer part of the Shell-branded network," the company said.

The move creates a bit of a gas crunch for residents of the largely rural and mostly isolated northwestern section of Davidson County. The store was the only place to stop for gas on Ashland City Highway between Clarksville Highway and Ashland City, a stretch of some 15 miles, with nearly no other options north on Old Hickory Boulevard either. As of midday Saturday, Lewis Country Store was out of regular and mid-grade and was low on diesel and premium and was only taking cash for gas, because its credit card-processing was terminated with the gas deal.

The owners of the store are standing firm, however, posting signs on the pumps reading "Due to our refusal to remove our pro-Trump sign, Shell Oil has de-branded us. We will not be threatened or intimidated. Our doors will remain open. Vote Trump on Nov. 8th so this does not happen to you!"

The owners indicated to Fox 17 and WTVF that a lawsuit is forthcoming.