Walmart Heiress Funds Anti-Trump Ad Prompting Boycott Calls
Walmart may face another boycott driven by MAGA supporters after Christy Walton, an heiress to the retail giant, financed a full-page ad in the New York Times. This ad advocates for a nationwide protest movement against President Trump.
The advertisement, sponsored by the “No Kings” movement, encourages Americans to “mobilize” this Saturday, coinciding with Flag Day and Trump’s birthday, to “reject authoritarianism.”
Christy Walton, widow of John T. Walton and daughter-in-law of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is behind this initiative. Though she doesn’t actively participate in Walmart’s operations, she holds nearly a 2% stake in the company, with a net worth estimated at $19.3 billion.
The “No Kings” movement intends to organize up to 1,500 protests nationwide as a response to a military parade scheduled for that day, which will celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the US Army and Trump’s birthday. However, Washington, D.C., is not included among the protest locations.
The ad, featured in Sunday’s Times, doesn’t explicitly mention Trump but criticizes actions that threaten civil rights and democratic values. Parts of it state, “The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale,” and it directs readers to a QR code that maps over 1,800 planned protests across the country.
“Great, a left-wing billionaire feels like burning some of her inheritance for a PR stunt,” remarked a White House spokesperson in response.
“It’s not going to change the fact that over 77 million Americans voted for mass deportations, border security, and America First trade policies.”
Following the ad, Trump’s supporters quickly began pushing for a boycott of Walmart.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) tweeted about Walton’s funding of the ads and called it an act of defiance coinciding with Trump’s birthday.
“Looks like the Walmart dynasty is big mad about China tariffs,” she added.
Similarly, Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate, asked followers if they shop at Walmart. The hashtag @BoycottWalmart gained traction, with some users labeling Walton a “traitor.” Longtime Trump supporter Roger Stone also urged a boycott, proposing peaceful protests outside Walmart stores.
In defense of the ad, Walton’s representative stated that it aims to encourage civic engagement rather than violence, explicitly distancing Walton from any organizations involved in recent protests stemming from immigration raids.
“Christy has provided no funding to groups involved in the demonstrations or upcoming events,” the spokesperson clarified, emphasizing her support for peaceful dialogue and community participation.
The protest organizers have deliberately chosen not to hold an event in Washington, aiming to avoid turning the protests into a political spectacle.
President Trump has indicated that protests at the parade will be met with a “very big force,” while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the president’s acknowledgment of the right to protest, albeit with a caveat regarding recent violence in Los Angeles.
“The president views himself as the president of the United States of America. This is a constitutional republic,” Leavitt noted, aiming to quell any misconceptions about Trump’s viewpoint.
Walton inherited her fortune following her husband’s tragic passing in a plane crash back in 2005. In light of the controversy, Walmart issued a statement clarifying that the advertisement does not reflect the company’s views, emphasizing that Walton plays no active role in corporate decisions.
“The advertisement from Christy Walton is in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart,” a spokesperson stated, condemning violence and reiterating the company’s commitment to community safety.
