Walmart, the United States' largest retailer, is facing a potential boycott from supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. The backlash comes after Christy Walton, an heiress to the Walmart fortune, financed a full-page advertisement in the New York Times that called for nationwide demonstrations against former President Donald Trump. The advertisement, aligned with the "No Kings" movement, became a catalyst for controversy as it coincided with both Flag Day and Trump's birthday, June 14, 2025.
Christy Walton, who holds approximately 1.9 percent ownership in Walmart and whose net worth is estimated at $19.3 billion by Forbes, has generally kept a low profile with no operational role in Walmart's daily affairs. However, her recent financial backing of a political advertisement marks a significant venture into partisan activism, directly challenging the current administration.
The "No Kings" movement, which organized the advertisement, has planned roughly 1,500 protests across the nation, deliberately choosing to exclude the nation’s capital from their demonstration sites. This decision reflects their refusal to legitimize what they consider to be the Trump administration's inappropriate political theater. The protests aim to counter Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., which is set to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army while also celebrating Trump’s 79th birthday.
The Times advertisement, appearing in Sunday’s edition, did not explicitly name Trump but criticized actions that allegedly undermine civil rights and democratic principles. It stated, “The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale,” and included a QR code linking to a map of the planned protests.
In response, White House spokesman Kush Desai sharply criticized the advertisement, dismissing it as a publicity stunt funded by inherited wealth. He also emphasized that the Trump administration would continue to pursue its policies, including mass deportations and border security, as mandated by the 77 million American voters who supported them.
MAGA-aligned politicians and influencers reacted swiftly to the advertisement. Kari Lake, former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and current White House special advisor, posed a direct question on social media: “Do you shop at Walmart?” Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) suggested the Walmart family's opposition was due to Trump's China tariff policies. As a result, the hashtag “BoycottWalmart” began trending, with conservative activists sharing it thousands of times.
Roger Stone, a longtime Trump supporter, called for organized action outside Walmart stores, comparing these potential protests to left-wing demonstrations against Tesla. Meanwhile, Walton's spokesperson defended the advertisement as a call for peaceful civic engagement and democratic participation. The spokesperson clarified that Walton had not funded organizations involved in violent protests, emphasizing her commitment to peaceful dialogue and community participation.
As the controversy unfolds, the potential impact of a boycott movement on Walmart remains to be seen. The retailer's vast consumer base and MAGA supporters' mobilization capabilities suggest that the coming days could prove crucial in determining the financial and public relations ramifications for the retail giant.
