Kohl's Faces Conservative Backlash Over 2024 Republican National Convention Sponsorship Decision

Conservative activists on social media are calling for a boycott of Kohl's after the Milwaukee-based retail chain said it won't be sponsoring the 2024 Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to take place in the city from July 15-18. This decision has sparked a significant response online, particularly among conservative circles, where the call to action has gained traction. In a digital age, where consumer loyalty can swiftly shift, brands are increasingly scrutinized for their political affiliations and sponsorship decisions.

In posts on X, formerly Twitter, one user declared they would "never shop there again," while another went as far as to threaten to "Bud Light the f*** out of you!" This latter remark references a previous boycott that targeted Bud Light after a partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, emphasizing the growing trend of politically motivated consumer behavior.

As the political landscape heats up with the upcoming conventions, the implications of corporate decisions extend beyond mere sponsorship. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are poised to be confirmed as the official nominees for their respective parties, further intensifying the spotlight on businesses like Kohl's that choose to distance themselves from political engagements.

Speaking to Newsweek, a Kohl's spokesperson stated, "As a Milwaukee-based company, we appreciate our hometown will have a spotlight during this time to showcase all it has to offer, including our great neighborhoods, an array of businesses, and all of our amazing residents - many of which are Kohl's associates." This statement reflects Kohl's commitment to its local community while also clarifying its non-political stance.

Kohl's emphasized that it is neither a political organization nor a donor and will not be sponsoring or engaging in any specific RNC events. Instead, the company focuses on supporting the business community through the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). This decision is consistent with their approach during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) planned for Milwaukee.

The backlash against Kohl's comes despite assertions from Reince Priebus, former RNC chair and convention organizer, who noted that "virtually all of the Fortune 500 companies in Wisconsin" had made financial commitments to the event. This discrepancy raises questions about the pressures companies face regarding political affiliations and consumer expectations.

The announcement that Kohl's would not sponsor the convention ignited a backlash across social media platforms, with many users mistakenly claiming that the brand had initially agreed to participate before reversing its decision. One user self-identified as an "American nationalist" and a Trump supporter remarked, "It won't be hard to boycott Kohl's because the little bit they have to offer customers these days is cheap crap. Haven't been in over a year." This sentiment captures the sentiments of some who feel disillusioned with the brand's offerings in light of its political choices.

Another user affiliated with the MAGA movement urged their followers to boycott Kohl's, indicating a collective frustration among those who feel that companies should align with their values. George Conway, an attorney and co-founder of the anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project, responded positively to Kohl's decision, stating, "Good for Kohl's. No self-respecting business should support the cultish and mendacious idolation of a depraved sociopath and convicted felon."

As the discourse continues to evolve on platforms like X, the implications of corporate decisions during election cycles become increasingly critical. Joey Mannarino, a conservative commentator, inaccurately reported that Kohl's had "pulled out" of supporting the convention, further fueling the boycott narrative. His post amassed significant attention, underscoring how digital conversations can influence public perception and brand loyalty.

Kohl's has reiterated its position through an interview with CNBC News, emphasizing that it is not involved in any political endorsements or sponsorships. The spokesperson highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting local businesses rather than engaging in partisan politics. This approach aligns with recent trends where various brands face scrutiny for their political stances, such as Target's Pride collection, which has also been met with backlash.