Walmart heir Christy Walton’s anti-Trump New York Times ad has sparked nationwide boycott threats from MAGA supporters, potentially costing the retail giant millions from its loyal conservative customer base.
Key Takeaways
- Christy Walton, who holds a 1.9% stake in Walmart with no active role in the company, funded a full-page anti-Trump ad in the New York Times promoting “No Kings” protests nationwide
- The ad calls for protests on Flag Day (June 14), which coincides with President Trump’s birthday and planned military parade in Washington, DC
- MAGA supporters, including prominent figures like Kari Lake and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have called for a nationwide Walmart boycott in response
- Walmart has officially distanced itself from Walton’s personal actions, stating the ad is “in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart”
- The “No Kings” movement plans approximately 1,500 protests nationwide, deliberately excluding Washington, DC
Walmart Heiress Funds Anti-Trump Movement
Christy Walton, widow of John Walton and heiress to the Walmart fortune, has ignited a firestorm by financing a full-page advertisement in the New York Times promoting the “No Kings” movement. The controversial ad, titled “USA, USA, USA,” encourages Americans to participate in nationwide protests on June 14 – Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday – when the President plans to hold a military parade in Washington, DC. Despite holding only a 1.9% stake in Walmart and having no active role in company operations, Walton’s $19.3 billion net worth and family name have created significant blowback for the retail giant.
The advertisement criticizes what it characterizes as efforts undermining civil rights and democratic values, including a QR code linking to a map of over 1,800 planned protest locations. Organizers have deliberately excluded Washington, DC from their protest sites to avoid legitimizing the President’s parade. The “No Kings” initiative calls for citizens to “mobilize, be civil, and participate in civil discourse” through town halls and peaceful demonstrations across America, positions that have infuriated Trump supporters who view the ad as an attack on the President.
MAGA Backlash and Boycott Threats
The reaction from President Trump’s supporters has been swift and severe, with prominent MAGA allies calling for a nationwide boycott of Walmart stores. Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake posted on social media, “Do you shop at Walmart?” while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna stated, “Walmart heiress Christy Walton is funding full-page color ads in the New York Times for ‘No Kings Day,’ a nationwide counter-protest scheduled for Trump’s birthday, organized by the far-left group Indivisible,” declared by Walmart.
“It may be time to #BoycottWalmart. #ChristyWalton, heiress of @Walmart has lost her mind in thinking she can fund revolutions against the American people/consumers,” stated Chris Walton.
The hashtag #BoycottWalmart has gained significant traction online, with some users labeling Walton a “traitor.” Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally, has called for protests outside Walmart stores. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the retailer, as President Trump has recently urged Walmart to absorb tariff-related price increases, though reports indicate prices have nonetheless spiked at the company’s stores across the country.
Walmart Distances Itself From Controversy
Facing mounting pressure from conservatives who represent a significant portion of their customer base, Walmart has taken steps to distance itself from Walton’s personal political activities. “The advertisement from Christy Walton [is] in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart,” stated Joe Pennington, a spokesperson for the retail giant.
“She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart,” another company spokesperson emphasized, attempting to create clear separation between the heiress’s personal views and the corporation’s position.
The company has also condemned violence and emphasized the safety of its associates and customers as its top priority. This represents Walton’s second political advertisement this year, following a March New York Times ad criticizing President Trump’s trade policies. The situation highlights the increasingly difficult position major American corporations face as the country remains deeply divided politically, with consumer boycotts becoming a common tactic when company figures take political stands that anger either side of the political spectrum.
