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Christy Walton, widow of John T. Walton and member of Walmart's founding dynasty, is at the center of controversy after funding a full-page ad in the New York Times. The ad, promoted by the "No Kings" movement, calls on Americans to mobilize on Saturday, June 14 - Flag Day and Donald Trump's birthday - to "reject authoritarianism."
The ad does not explicitly mentionTrump but sharply criticizes attacks on civil rights and democratic principles. It includes a QR code linking to a map of over 1,800 protests planned across the United States.
The "No Kings" movement, publicly ed by Walton, plans around 1,500 demonstrations nationwide but notably excludes Washington D.C., a symbolic choice meant to avoid "legitimizing" Trump's military parade in the capital.
MAGA launches boycott campaign against Walmart
The MAGA camp reacted immediately. Trump allies and spokespeople called Walton's move a political stunt by the elite. The hashtag #BoycottWalmart trended on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands urging people to stop shopping at the country's largest retailer.
Among those speaking out was Kari Lake, former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and White House adviser, who tweeted:
"Do you shop at Walmart?" in a critical tone. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) directly accused Walton of funding an "extreme left counterprotest."
Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally, also accused Walton of "subsidizing insurrection" and called for protests outside Walmart stores, comparing the movement to boycotts against Tesla.
Christy Walton clarifies: protest yes, violence no
As tensions escalated, a spokesperson for Christy Walton issued a statement clarifying that her intent is to "encourage peaceful civic participation" and that she does not any form of violence. The representative denied Walton funded protests linked to riots in cities like Los Angeles following ICE raids.
"Christy's interest is to encourage citizens to listen to each other and engage productively in their communities. She condemns violence in all its forms and promotes democratic, peaceful engagement," the spokesperson said.
Walmart remains silent in the face of mounting pressure
So far, Walmart has not issued an official response regarding the ad funded by Walton or the boycott calls. The company, which has tried to maintain an apolitical stance amid a polarized climate, may be forced to respond if social pressure continues to mount.
With more than 4,000 stores across the United States, the brand faces a delicate situation involving economic interests, political tensions, and freedom of expression.