Walmart distances itself from heiress Christy Walton’s anti-Trump protest ad campaign amid LA riots

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Walmart heiress Christy Walton is under the spotlight after funding a full-page ad in The New York Times that appears to rally Americans toward nation-wide civic protests indirectly aimed at President Donald Trump.

The ad, while not mentioning Trump by name, highlights progressive values and invokes language typically used to challenge authoritarianism and question political overreach.

Walmart distances itself as heiress Christy Walton funds full-page protest call

Published ahead of Trump's military-themed rally slated for June 14, the ad features the bold headline “NO KINGS,” aligning with the message of the group No Kings, which is organizing over 1,800 peaceful demonstrations across the US.

The effort, according to the group’s spokesman Andrew Cook, aims to promote democratic values and protest against what they view as anti-constitutional rhetoric and actions from Trump’s administration.

The ad’s message states, “We are the people of the United States of America. The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale. Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people.” 

The ad continued, “We care for our children and veterans. We respect our neighbors and trading partners. We support a healthy national and international economy, community, and environment. We are the world leader trusted to uphold the stability of the rule of law.”

Walmart clarifies zero involvement

Following the ad’s publication, a spokesperson for Walton told Fox News Digital, “The personal ad message from Christy Walton published, Sunday, June 8, focuses on encouraging people to engage peacefully and civically in next weekend’s events on June 14th. It is unrelated to the events we have seen unfold the past several days.” 

The statement added that “Christy has provided no funding to organizations or individuals involved in the demonstrations in Los Angeles or other cities, nor has she provided any funding to those organizing the upcoming events.”

The statement continued, “Her interest is simply in encouraging people to listen to one another, participate in their communities, and productively engage on the issues they care about. She believes while we have the right to protest, we do not have a right to violence. She condemns violence in all forms and her message promotes civic engagement, peaceful dialogue, and the sharing of diverse views and voices.”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Walmart seemed to step back from Walton’s activism, saying, “We condemn violence, including when it’s directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property.”

“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,” the company statement said.

White House fires back at ‘tone-deaf elite’

The White House, however, was less diplomatic. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson criticized Walton’s message as elitist and disconnected from the electorate.

“Great, a left-wing billionaire feels like burning some of her inheritance for a PR stunt,” they said. “It’s not going to change the fact that over 77 million Americans voted for mass deportations, border security, and America First trade policies— a mandate that the Trump administration is committed to using every lever of executive power to deliver on.”