Over 1,800 Flag Day Protests Planned as Walmart Heiress Draws Fire from Trump Allies
A political storm is brewing at the heart of America’s retail empire. Christy Walton, billionaire heiress to the Walmart dynasty, has ignited fierce national debate after funding a bold, full-page ad in The New York Times calling for Americans to rise up—peacefully—against what she describes as a dangerous wave of “authoritarianism.”
Timed for June 14—Flag Day and Donald Trump’s birthday—the ad comes from the progressive movement No Kings and urges Americans to mobilize at more than 1,800 protest sites across all 50 states. Notably, Washington, D.C. is excluded, where Trump is expected to lead a military parade in celebration of both his birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
“The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale.”
— No Kings ad, The New York Times
Though the ad doesn’t mention Trump by name, its message is unmistakable: reject authoritarianism, defend democratic values, and act through peaceful protest.
MAGA Strikes Back: Boycott Walmart Campaign Gains Steam
The response from Trump’s base was immediate and explosive. Prominent conservatives blasted Walton for her activism, launching a wave of online backlash under the trending hashtag #BoycottWalmart.
“Do you shop at Walmart?”
— Kari Lake, White House adviser
“Looks like the Walmart dynasty is big mad about China tariffs.”
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.)
Trump ally Roger Stone went even further, calling for demonstrations outside Walmart stores and accusing Walton of “subsidizing leftist insurrection.”
Walton’s Team: This Is About Civic Duty, Not Chaos
In response, a spokesperson for Christy Walton emphasized her message is rooted in nonviolence and civic responsibility—not division.
“Christy Walton has not funded any protest involving violence or disruption. Her aim is to encourage civic participation, peaceful discourse, and the protection of democratic institutions,” the spokesperson said.
Organizers of No Kings clarified that the omission of a D.C. protest was intentional—to avoid drawing attention to what they called a “political spectacle” orchestrated by Trump.
Walmart Distances Itself from Walton’s Activism
In an effort to avoid corporate fallout, Walmart quickly released a statement distancing itself from the protest movement.
“Ms. Walton holds no active role in the company and her actions do not reflect Walmart’s views or operations,” the company said. “Walmart condemns violence in all forms and prioritizes the safety of our customers and associates.”
A Rare Rift Among the Elite
Walton’s stance marks a striking departure from the expectations of America’s conservative elite. As a member of one of the country’s most powerful and traditionally Republican families, her open alignment with a progressive protest movement is seen as both symbolic and strategic.
“This is one of the broadest civic mobilizations in recent memory,” said a No Kings spokesperson. “It shows just how urgently Americans feel the need to protect their freedoms.”
With protests scheduled from coast to coast, June 14 is shaping up to be more than a political flashpoint—it may well become a defining moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle over democracy, identity, and power.
NOTE TO READERS:
At The Haitian Pulse, we strongly condemn violence in all its forms and proudly support the right to peaceful protest and civic engagement. What does this movement say about the state of democracy in America? Share your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters.
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