indystar.com
Why are Trump supporters calling for a Walmart boycott? A No Kings ad ignited MAGA
Cheryl V. Jackson
3–4 minutes
Supporters of President Donald Trump are calling for a boycott of Walmart after a company heiress bought a full-page newspaper ad encouraging mobilizations for the June 14 nationwide No Kings protests. Folks on social media responded to a June 8 New York Times ad placed by billionaire Christy Walton.“The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale,” the ad said. “Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people.”
What does the No Kings ad say?
The ad, which did not mention Trump by name, was marked as a “paid political advertisement” and said the views represented “are solely those of Christy Walton.”
The ad read:
"WE are a people of principle and honor.WE honor our commitments and stand by our allies.WE defend against aggression by dictators.WE uphold and defend the Constitution.WE care for veterans and children.WE respect our neighbors and trading partners.WE support a healthy national and international economy, community, and environment.WE are the world leader trusted to uphold the stability of rule of law.”
It included a QR code to the
No Kings website, which is organizing the “No Kings Day” events across the country to coincide with Trump’s military parade in D.C. and protest his policies.
Call for Walmart boycott
Trump supporters on social media took exception to the message.
“Christy Walton used her billions to mock the people who built Walmart. Walmart “distanced” itself—but didn’t condemn her. Distance isn’t courage. Silence isn’t neutral. We don’t fund those who shame us. #BoycottWalmart #NoKingsDay #JesusIsKing,” was one response.
“Boycott Walmart who is supporting violence in our Country,” encouraged another. “Christy Walton is paying for and putting together 1800 groups to protest across America. ….America Civil War has begun … It’s our Constitutional rights to protect our country from tyranny … America are you American or American’t … Defend yourself, your family, your town, your state … Boycott Walmart. I spent hundreds of dollars monthly to this store. They will no longer have my business. … I don’t do business with tyrants.”
Who is Christy Walton?
Walton, 76, is a billionaire philanthropist and the widow of John T. Walton, son of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
When her husband died in 2005, she became the main heir to his $18.2 billion fortune.
Other Walmart boycotts
The company, along with Target and Amazon, has been the target of an economic blackout earlier year; prompted by the perception that it had abandoned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to appease Trump, who opposes such initiatives.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com:@cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social.
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