President Trump’s constituency is calling for boycotts of Walmart after the massive retail behemoth began selling “Impeach 45” apparel. The clothing is for sale on its website and offers a clear message for those who want to see the president stripped of power. Just how powerful will the outrage of Walmart’s loyal following be for its bottom line?
“There are several versions of the shirt up for sale on the retailer’s website,” The Daily Mail writes.
I AM UPSET & ANGRY! A longtime Walmart shopper, today I quit over the sale of Old Glory Impeach 45 shirts. This offends me & many others. As a huge PRO American company, It is WRONG to politicize & be anti-US President with any product. Clean up your act #WALMART!! pic.twitter.com/u7hiAUHPGo
— Suzy Ferguson (@suzy_ferguson) July 3, 2018
As expected, reaction on social media has been polarized.
LOL, wow @Walmart, not expected from you, but everyone needs one of these jerseys ASAP! https://t.co/oYEo2Bntu3 #Resist #Impeach45
— Democratic Coalition (@TheDemCoalition) July 3, 2018
Some are even calling on boycotts.
Can you believe Walmart, Amazon and other outlets are selling IMPEACH 45 T-shirt’s. Who makes these decisions? pic.twitter.com/doZqdOl30J
— Patrick M Burns (@pmb1948) July 3, 2018
Others, not so much.
Me heading over to @Walmart to buy one of those #Impeach45 shirts #BoycottWalmart pic.twitter.com/D5pUu0EqTV
— Makiya Athey (@makiya9598) July 3, 2018
As the mail notes, it is hardly the first time the retailer has faced criticism for its product offerings. “For example, back in November, Walmart had to take down a bunch of shirts that read ‘Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’ following backlash for the threatening message.”
#MAGA supporters please retweet the hell out this! After all @realDonaldTrump has done for American businesses, @Walmart has the nerve to sell a Impeach 45 baby shirt? Let them know how you feel about it! https://t.co/HyvZ9c9jUw
— Why The Fear? (WTF) (@WhyTheFear) July 3, 2018
“A month later, the store also took down several ‘Black Lives Matter’ products when the National Fraternal Order of Police complained about the corporation ‘profiting from racial division’.”
Right now #boycottwalmart is trending because a third-party vendor on Walmart's website was selling "Impeach 45" apparel. So now Trump supports won't shop at Walmart, Target, or Amazon. Soon they'll be bartering a sheep for a pair of shoes. https://t.co/WBv96W8nJL
— James Kosur (@JamesKosur) July 3, 2018
The new shirts calling for impeachment are from a subcontractor for Walmart called “Old Glory.” While their message is obviously anti-Trump, there are numerous products for sale at Walmart that are supportive of Trump.
The shirts saying impeach 45 that your selling is a disgrace. Sam Walton was a true American Hero. He Loved this country and served it. You are destroying it. Your selling America out for a few left wing communist thugs. You have brought shame to the Walton name.
— Richard (@Richard32669638) July 3, 2018
Will Walmart cave to either side? That remains to be seen. As many have pointed out in their tweets, this is clearly a freedom of speech issue, yet it has made many loyal Americans very unhappy.