Walmart is facing criticism for an advertisement funded by an heiress that seemed to urge Americans to protest against Donald Trump.
The ad, endorsing the so-called “No Kings” protests, has sparked fury – with some threatening to boycott the retailer as a result.
The ad urged individuals to gather on June 14, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday and the day of a military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
Christy Walton paid for the political message which features a crown with a red line through it and a picture of the Statue of Liberty.
“We are a people of principle and honor. We honor our commitments and stand by our allies,” the ad starts.
The ad makes thinly-veiled swipes against Trump’s administration but doesn’t name the president, something which has infuriated conservatives.
I think it may be time for patriots to boycott Walmart,” one X user said.
“Christy Walton, heiress of Walmart, has lost her mind in thinking she can fund revolutions against the American people/consumers.”
The hashtag #BoycottWalmart has been circulated on X.
Some have claimed the retailer has lost shoppers for life.
Walmart has strongly distanced itself from the advert.
“We condemn violence, including when it’s directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property,” a Walmart spokesperson told The U.S. Sun.
“As a company with associates and customers in the Los Angeles region, we remain focused on their safety and that of impacted communities.
“The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart.
“She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart.”
Walton, the widow of John T. Walton – the son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has a 1.9% share in the company.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have speculated about the motive behind Walton’s paid ad.
Anna Paulina Luna, who represents Florida’s 13th congressional district, suggested the Walmart dynasty “is big mad” about tariffs.
Trump told Walmart to eat the impact of tariffs after bosses warned of price rises.
Thousands of “No Kings” protests are scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Demonstrations will take place in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle.
No protests are set to take place in Washington DC, however.
“On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t,” a note on the movement’s website says.
MILITARY SPECTACLE
Trump’s parade is set to cost between $25 million and $45 million and more than 6,000 soldiers will be involved.
An estimated 50 aircraft, 150 vehicles, and more than 30 horses will be shown off.
Trump was inspired by the military parade held in France for Bastille Day.
He attended the celebrations in 2017 during his first term.
“We had a lot of planes going over and we had a lot of military might, and it was really a beautiful thing to see,” he said at the time.
“They had representatives from different wars and different uniforms. It was really so well done.”
Roads in downtown Washington DC will be closed from Thursday to Monday, as reported by The Washington Post.
The parade will be heavily secured with 18.5 miles of steel fencing, and Matt McCool, the special agent overseeing security, emphasized that no precautions will be overlooked.
But, celebrations will come against a backdrop of days of protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids.
Trump refused to rule out arresting California Governor Gavin Newsom over the protests.
Members of the National Guard and troops have clashed with protesters in the flare-ups.
Protests have spread across the country with anti-ICE protests taking place in cities such as New York and Seattle.
