Walmart Bends the Knee – Condemns LA Chaos After Boycott Threats

Walmart, America’s biggest retail giant, found itself in the center of political chaos after a full-page ad published in The New York Times sparked outrage from conservative consumers. According to The Street’s Patricia Battle, the ad promoted the anti-Trump “No Kings” movement, which aims to defy President Donald Trump’s June 14 military parade.

But what set off alarm bells wasn’t the message – it was the signature at the bottom: Christy Walton. The billionaire heiress of the Walton family, who inherited Walmart wealth through her late husband, appeared to use her platform to denounce Trump’s event. And for many shoppers, that was a bridge too far.

#BoycottWalmart Takes Off

Soon after the ad hit newsstands, a boycott campaign ignited. The conservative group Libs of Chicago tweeted a photo of the ad, calling for a full boycott of Walmart. “If there was ever a time to boycott Walmart, it’s now,” the post read. Benny Johnson, a conservative journalist and YouTuber, reported that the backlash was swift and widespread. In his video, Johnson noted how customers saw the ad as a betrayal – not just of Trump, but of law enforcement, military families, and working-class Americans. “A literal insurrection,” he called the LA protests that erupted, which some connected to the No Kings movement.

Walmart Rushes to Reassure

In response to the growing outrage, Walmart issued a carefully worded statement to Forbes and repeated by Johnson and Battle. “The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart,” the company declared. A spokesperson added that Walton does not sit on the board nor influence corporate decisions. But the company didn’t stop there. Reacting to violent protests in Los Angeles, believed by some to be linked to No Kings, Dan Bartlett, the EVP of corporate affairs at Walmart, said, “We condemn violence, including when it’s directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property.”

Heir’s Wealth vs. Corporate Distance

Christy Walton may have no say in Walmart’s boardroom, but as Trish Regan pointed out on The Trish Regan Show, she still owns 1.9% of Walmart stock. “She’s not helping anyone,” Regan said, referencing the heiress’s high-profile political advocacy. Investors weren’t thrilled either. Walmart shares had been sliding, and many believe the boycott threats made matters worse. Regan observed that the retailer seemed to be “running as fast as they can” to distance themselves from Walton, fearing the same fate as Target and Bud Light – brands that recently faced severe backlash over political controversies.

The MAGA Community Demands Clarity

Benny Johnson described Walmart’s reaction as “breaking under pressure.” In his words, the company had no choice but to “go full MAGA” and condemn violence after repeated calls for accountability. Johnson said it was Laura Loomer, a conservative activist, who helped push Walmart executives to respond. She reportedly warned them that if they didn’t issue a clear statement, Walmart would face the same customer revolt that tanked other brands. Johnson read aloud the statement Walmart issued, emphasizing its insistence that Walton “has no role in decision-making.”

Is It Enough for Angry Shoppers?

Even after Walmart’s statement, many consumers remained skeptical. Johnson pointed out that while Christy Walton might not work for Walmart, her fortune is still directly tied to its profits. “We’re not stupid,” he said. “We know she gets revenue from Walmart’s success.” Trish Regan echoed that sentiment, questioning whether customers would feel reassured knowing their money might indirectly fund political movements they oppose. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” Regan warned.

LA Protests and The Face Shield Mystery

One curious claim in Johnson’s video raised even more eyebrows. He pointed to footage from Los Angeles protests showing demonstrators wearing expensive face shields, reportedly the Uvex Bionic Shield. “These aren’t cheap,” Johnson said, estimating each costs $45–$65. He noted they can be bought in bulk from only a few places, Walmart being one of them. While there’s no hard proof that Walmart distributed the gear, it fueled speculation that their brand was connected to street protests more deeply than they admitted.

The Shadow of the Walton Name

Part of the issue lies in the Walton name itself. As the widow of John Walton, one of Sam Walton’s sons, Christy inherited billions when her husband died in a 2005 plane crash. She’s used her wealth to support a variety of progressive causes – from the Lincoln Project to climate initiatives. To some, she represents the very kind of elite donor influence that conservative shoppers are rallying against. Benny Johnson accused her of funding “radical leftist ideologies,” while Loomer said her ad had already caused “some damage.”

Pressure Mounts Amid Sliding Sales

Patricia Battle reported that Walmart’s sales data shows warning signs. Though comparable sales were up 4.5% year-over-year in Q1, foot traffic dropped. Visits fell 5.9% in February and 4% in March, only spiking again during the Easter rush in April. CEO Doug McMillon acknowledged during an earnings call that consumer spending was pulling back in key areas. With customers tightening their belts and trust eroding, Walmart may be more vulnerable than it appears.

Playing with Fire

It’s one thing for a private citizen to express political views. It’s another when that citizen is the billionaire face of a world-famous brand – even if only by marriage. Christy Walton might be “just an heir,” but her actions have ripple effects far beyond her reach. Walmart’s scramble to separate itself from her could be a lesson for other companies: consumers don’t care about boardroom technicalities. They care about brand association, and in today’s climate, perception is everything.

The Bud Light Effect Lives On

This incident is more than a PR stumble – it’s another example of the so-called “Bud Light effect.” The beer brand’s misstep with a political influencer cost them billions. Now Walmart seems to be dodging the same bullet. But here’s the kicker: they actually responded. And that’s rare. As Benny Johnson noted, “We never used to get apologies like this.” Whether that signals a larger shift in how corporations navigate cultural landmines or just a desperate bid to save face remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: in 2025, silence is not a strategy.

A Cautionary Tale in the Age of Political Capital

Walmart’s response may not have satisfied everyone, but it shows how quickly a company can get swept into controversy by someone loosely connected to their name. Christy Walton lit the match with her anti-Trump ad. But it was the boycott threats, the LA unrest, and relentless pressure from high-profile voices like Benny Johnson and Trish Regan that forced Walmart’s hand. Whether their statement calms the storm or simply delays the next one, this saga will be remembered as another moment when politics met commerce, and commerce blinked.