Walmart Distances from Heiress amid Nationwide No Kings Protest Boycott

Christy Walton, a Walmart heiress and one of the wealthiest women in the U.S., purchased a full-page ad in the New York Times supporting the "No Kings" protests scheduled for June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump's birthday and a military parade honoring the U.S. Army. The ad, which did not mention Trump by name, called for mobilization and expressed principles opposing corruption and tyranny, prompting backlash from Trump supporters who called for a boycott of Walmart. Walmart distanced itself from Walton’s activism, clarifying that the advertisements were not connected to or endorsed by the company, and emphasized its condemnation of violence and commitment to the safety of its associates and customers. The controversy has fueled social media campaigns with hashtags like #BoycottWalmart, accusing Walton of using her wealth to oppose Trump and his policies, while Walmart has faced previous boycott threats related to other political and social issues. Republican figures and Trump allies criticized Walton’s actions, tying the ad to political disputes such as tariffs and labeling it a provocation against the Trump administration. Despite Walton’s family ties to Walmart, she does not participate in the company’s management or board, and Walmart reiterated its neutral stance amid the political tensions surrounding the ad and protests.