An heir to the Walmart fortune, Christie Walton, is aiming to support former President Trump in a unique way. She has urged him to engage in protests coinciding with his second presidential campaign and to attend a military parade in Washington, D.C., scheduled for this Saturday.
In a full-page advertisement that appeared in the New York Times on Sunday, Walton called for participants to join a “No Kings” protest, emphasizing the need to “protect against dictatorial aggressors.”
The parade is planned to celebrate Trump’s 79th birthday and also marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. military.
A spokesperson for Walton stated that the ad is primarily about promoting peaceful civic engagement for the upcoming weekend. The spokesperson clarified that Walton’s support is not associated with protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or demonstrations in Los Angeles.
“Christie does not provide funding to organizations involved in demonstrations, nor is she backing those planning future events,” the spokesperson said. “Her message is about encouraging dialogue, community involvement, and addressing important issues.” The statement also reiterated Walton’s strong condemnation of all forms of violence and her desire for peaceful conversations.
The advertisement has spurred the “No Kings” protest, featuring the Nokings.org website—but a representative for the group clarified that the ads are not affiliated with them. Walmart has also distanced itself from Walton’s anti-Trump initiative.
When asked about being labeled a “king,” Trump dismissed the notion. “I don’t feel like a king,” he responded. “I have to go through a lot to get what’s approved.”
Supporters of Trump, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida, have reacted to Walton’s ads online. Luna suggested that the Walton family seems overly affected by issues like Chinese tariffs, and she posted promotional graphics on the social platform X.
In response, some conservative social media users have called for boycotts of Walmart, despite pushback from the company itself. A Walmart spokesperson clarified Walton’s independence from the organization: “Her ads are not connected to or supported by Walmart,” they stated. “She has no role in our decision-making.”
Christie Walton has a history of supporting the Lincoln Project, which opposes Trump’s agenda, contributing significant funds to this group that includes various prominent conservative figures.
“The honor and integrity of our nation are not for sale,” read a bold statement in Walton’s ad, accompanied by an image of a freedom statue. “Our government serves people, not kings.”
Walton’s husband, John T. Walton, who was the second-oldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, tragically died in a plane crash in 2005 while piloting an experimental aircraft.
