Walmart Heiress Sparks 'No Kings' Protest Backlash

Christy Walton, billionaire heiress to the Walmart fortune and widow of John T. Walton, funded a full-page New York Times ad urging Americans to join 'No Kings' protests against Donald Trump on June 14, which coincides with both Flag Day and Trump's birthday. The ad called for rejecting authoritarianism and defending democratic values, prompting widespread backlash from Trump supporters and social media calls for a Walmart boycott. Despite Walton's lack of operational or board involvement at Walmart, and the company's clear disavowal of her political activity, the retailer has faced mounting pressure from MAGA-aligned public figures and lawmakers. A spokesperson for Walton clarified her only financial involvement was the ad purchase and that she did not fund the protests otherwise. The 'No Kings' movement plans over 1,500 peaceful protests nationwide, with Walmart emphasizing its neutrality and condemning any violence linked to the protests. The controversy has reignited scrutiny of the Walton family's political influence and its impact on Walmart's reputation.