https://www.newsweek.com/costco-faces-maga-boycott-2007942

Costco Faces MAGA Boycott - Newsweek
Costco is facing threats of a boycott from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump after executives refused to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies at the request of shareholders.

Newsweek contacted Costco for comment via email.

Why It Matters

While DEI initiatives in the workplace became commonplace over the past decade, they have recently faced more scrutiny from both a legal and cultural standpointwith some companies rolling back their DEI initiatives following boycotts led by conservative consumers.

Project 2025, a series of policies supported by several backers of the incoming Trump administration, lists abolishing DEI practices in both the public and private sectors among the core goals of the next conservative government.

What To Know

Costco's board of directors rejected requests to remove its DEI program, which shareholders described as "illegal discrimination," prompting backlash from members of the MAGA movement.

After a group of shareholders called for a "report on the risks of maintaining DEI efforts," the board defended the company's existing policies, saying, "Our efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion follow our code of ethics."

The defense was met with anger from many Trump supporters, with some calling for a boycott on social media.

Costco
A queue outside a Costco in Manchester, England, on December 23, 2020. The company's board of directors recently rejected calls to abolish its diversity, equity and inclusion practices. AP Photo
What People Are Saying

Costco's board of directors said in a statement issued on Friday: "Our Board has considered this proposal and believes that our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary.

"Our success at Costco Wholesale has been built on service to our critical stakeholders: employees, members and suppliers. Our efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion follow our code of ethics."

Robby Starbuck, a pro-Trump filmmaker, wrote X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: "For now I suggest conservative consumers find other places to spend their money if Costco is so dedicated to doubling down on DEI. If they're smart, Costco will do right by their shareholders and change before we turn our attention to them."

AJ Huber, a self-described MAGA conservative, wrote on X on Saturday: "Costco board of directors recommended that its shareholders not vote for the end of its large DEI program. Hell no! Absolutely not! Boycott Costco! Cancel your membership! Nothing can stop We The People to Make America Great Again!"

Nadine Smith, a civil rights activist, wrote on X on Saturday: "If you crumble when your values are tested, they weren't values, they were marketing campaigns. Well done, Costco!"

What Happens Next

Amid the ongoing national debate over DEI programs, corporations will likely continue to examine their policies. Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20, has pledged to be more critical of DEI initiatives in the federal government and the wider public sector.

Just like with Bud Light, it's definitely not difficult to choose another option when spending my money. They won't miss my money, but if you don't have principles your life will turn you into a bitter, antagonistic old fart.

Diversity is our strength.

Wangchung said:

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Just like with Bud Light, it's definitely not difficult to choose another option when spending my money. They won't miss my money, but if you don't have principles your life will turn you into a bitter, antagonistic old fart.

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Now Wanker, firstly Bud Light? Really? Head on down to Wally World or Sams to get your stuff that yall MAGA folks for the lowest possible price on the planet. Oh, did I mention , nearly all of the non food items are built by slave labor as yall say, not by Mercans! Those damn Bangladeshis and *****s!

Harrison Bergeron said:

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If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

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And whom would the competition for Costco be? The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

J.R. said:

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Harrison Bergeron said:

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If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

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And whom would the competition for Costco be? The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

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Thanks quash. You're insight continues to amaze this board.

Still another weird thread.

Like who gives a **** ?

Voting with your money and / or feet is everyone's privilege.

Though eating cheap crap junk food will only make one fatter and less healthy.

But even dying younger is a choice.

Boycott them! We need to MAGA! I am tired of the Culture and America destroying Left!

I don't get the allure of the mega store (Costco, BJs, Sam's). My wife is maybe the cheapest person you'll ever find. If we could save money there we would but they really aren't cheaper than many grocery stores and who in the world needs/has room for industrial sized Mayo and Ketchup? Why do you want to buy 10lb cans of anything?

DEI garbage aside I don't even understand their purpose. I know they managed to put a whole bunch of American small businesses out of business though.

Harrison Bergeron said:

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J.R. said:

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Harrison Bergeron said:

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If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

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And whom would the competition for Costco be? The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

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Thanks quash. You're insight continues to amaze this board.

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the Quash thing has become tiresome just like ur warped take on life. I sure hope u haven't procreated yet! Tell me genius, why u feel the need to hurl insults and hate at people who have a different opinion than yours? Living ur life via politics is a dead end road and it make people like you bitter. Tell me what I said about Costco that isn't true pls

J.R. said:

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Wangchung said:

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Just like with Bud Light, it's definitely not difficult to choose another option when spending my money. They won't miss my money, but if you don't have principles your life will turn you into a bitter, antagonistic old fart.

---

Now Wanker, firstly Bud Light? Really? Head on down to Wally World or Sams to get your stuff that yall MAGA folks for the lowest possible price on the planet. Oh, did I mention , nearly all of the non food items are built by slave labor as yall say, not by Mercans! Those damn Bangladeshis and *****s!

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See? Bitter antagonistic old fart.

nein51 said:

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I don't get the allure of the mega store (Costco, BJs, Sam's). My wife is maybe the cheapest person you'll ever find. If we could save money there we would but they really aren't cheaper than many grocery stores and who in the world needs/has room for industrial sized Mayo and Ketchup? Why do you want to buy 10lb cans of anything?

DEI garbage aside I don't even understand their purpose. I know they managed to put a whole bunch of American small businesses out of business though.

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Here is my take on box stores. They r good for household items., TP, PTs, soap, shampoo ect. Also good for electronics, y s and such. Seasonal stuff is good I'm told. I do agree that if u do t have a large family or live in a small space, the packaging can be problematic. As the great Jimmy Buffet said. Where did my junior mints go? I don't need a 40lb Nestles Crunch an an 8 extra ozs of watered down Cherry Coke. We need Junior mints. We need less bakers.. we need people who care"! Lol

J.R. said:

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Harrison Bergeron said:

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If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

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The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

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I would like to see the info proving that

Sam's is often in markets where there is not a Costco (Tyler, Beaumont for example)

And plenty of cross over in markets where their is a Costco and a Sam's

nein51 said:

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I don't get the allure of the mega store (Costco, BJs, Sam's)..

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I'm with you

My wife and I have a couple kids and Sams/Costco is just to much stuff for us to even use in a week

I am always puzzled by the boomer couple coming out of Costco….like how to they even use that much product or get their use out of a membership?

I'm a big barbecuer and griller. I like Sam's and Costco for big cuts of meat at good prices. They usually have USDA Prime brisket for a better price per pound than I can find elsewhere. Same with whole ribeyes.

Redbrickbear said:

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J.R. said:

---

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

---

The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

---

I would like to see the info proving that

Sam's is often in markets where there is not a Costco (Tyler, Beaumont for example)

And plenty of cross over in markets where their is a Costco and a Sam's

---

Costco aims at a higher demo who value quality and price, not just price as Sams. Again, those joints are for targeted things. Costco is the largest seller of wine in the world and it isn's just the cheap crap. I just get basics there as I shop for 1 or or 2 people these days. I'm a nerd who goes to 5 different stores per week for specifics products (WF (mainly fish/seafood), CM(a lot of stuff), Asian Mkt, Mexican Mkt, Middle Eastern Mkt., Tom Thumb for basics. Wish we had HEB in Dallas, but man I find them really , really crowded.

J.R. said:

---

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

J.R. said:

---

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

---

And whom would the competition for Costco be? The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

---

Thanks quash. You're insight continues to amaze this board.

---

the Quash thing has become tiresome just like ur warped take on life. I sure hope u haven't procreated yet! Tell me genius, why u feel the need to hurl insults and hate at people who have a different opinion than yours? Living ur life via politics is a dead end road and it make people like you bitter. Tell me what I said about Costco that isn't true pls

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Thank you Prof. Quash for giving us a lecture on projection. Go away now.

Redbrickbear said:

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J.R. said:

---

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

---

The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

---

I would like to see the info proving that

Sam's is often in markets where there is not a Costco (Tyler, Beaumont for example)

And plenty of cross over in markets where their is a Costco and a Sam's

---

Data are the hobgoblin of little minds.

J.R. said:

---

Redbrickbear said:

---

J.R. said:

---

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

---

The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

---

I would like to see the info proving that

Sam's is often in markets where there is not a Costco (Tyler, Beaumont for example)

And plenty of cross over in markets where their is a Costco and a Sam's

---

Costco aims at a higher demo who value quality and price, not just price as Sams. Again, those joints are for targeted things. Costco is the largest seller of wine in the world and it isn's just the cheap crap. I just get basics there as I shop for 1 or or 2 people these days. I'm a nerd who goes to 5 different stores per week for specifics products (WF (mainly fish/seafood), CM(a lot of stuff), Asian Mkt, Mexican Mkt, Middle Eastern Mkt., Tom Thumb for basics.

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Interesting

Had no idea about the wine thing

I guess I would not be surprised then to see Costco lean into the progressive side of things….since a large part of their customer base would be liberal

I am boycotting Costco!

Until they build one near me..

Redbrickbear said:

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J.R. said:

---

Redbrickbear said:

---

J.R. said:

---

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

If Costco continues to promote Didn't Earn It there is no need for a boycott ... it will ultimately collapse from division and incompetence just like Boeing.

---

The Sams shopper and Costco shopper are different people, IMO.

---

I would like to see the info proving that

Sam's is often in markets where there is not a Costco (Tyler, Beaumont for example)

And plenty of cross over in markets where their is a Costco and a Sam's

---

Costco aims at a higher demo who value quality and price, not just price as Sams. Again, those joints are for targeted things. Costco is the largest seller of wine in the world and it isn's just the cheap crap. I just get basics there as I shop for 1 or or 2 people these days. I'm a nerd who goes to 5 different stores per week for specifics products (WF (mainly fish/seafood), CM(a lot of stuff), Asian Mkt, Mexican Mkt, Middle Eastern Mkt., Tom Thumb for basics.

---

Interesting

Had no idea about the wine thing

I guess I would not be surprised then to see Costco lean into the progressive side of things….since a large part of their customer base would be liberal

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One thing they do which is genius , is buy bulk, really good wine from all over the world that can't be sold. They bottle it under their Kirkland Brand with the necessary designations . Heck, if one want to do a little research, you can find exactly what chateau, winery make the juice.

J.R. said:

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nein51 said:

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I don't get the allure of the mega store (Costco, BJs, Sam's). My wife is maybe the cheapest person you'll ever find. If we could save money there we would but they really aren't cheaper than many grocery stores and who in the world needs/has room for industrial sized Mayo and Ketchup? Why do you want to buy 10lb cans of anything?

DEI garbage aside I don't even understand their purpose. I know they managed to put a whole bunch of American small businesses out of business though.

---

Here is my take on box stores. They r good for household items., TP, PTs, soap, shampoo ect. Also good for electronics, y s and such. Seasonal stuff is good I'm told. I do agree that if u do t have a large family or live in a small space, the packaging can be problematic. As the great Jimmy Buffet said. Where did my junior mints go? I don't need a 40lb Nestles Crunch an an 8 extra ozs of watered down Cherry Coke. We need Junior mints. We need less bakers.. we need people who care"! Lol

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The thing is they really aren't good for that stuff either. When you really do the math they are no cheaper (or not appreciably cheaper) than Target or my local grocery store.

Electronics pricing tends to be about the same as any other big box retailers depending on who has what on sale on which day.

If you have a small restaurant it's fine though there are other places to buy that stuff that's similarly priced. If you have a massive family it probably makes some sense.

My suspicion is that the overwhelming majority of people end up buying more than if they just went to the grocery store and that waste is much higher as a percentage of the purchase. So even if the cost per item was 10% lower (and I seriously doubt it's even that much) you probably don't save any money.

My in laws would drive across town to get gas there. It was like $.07/gallon cheaper. My FIL is a smart guy. I did the math for him many times. He was driving across town to save like $.50 total it made no sense at all and that assuming his time was worth $0.00.

I do like to frequent the independent stores when possible. For instance, I go to the Italian Mkt (jimmy's) weekly as I like the family run aspect. I could get the same stuff at CM, but would rather give $ to the locals

Costco, $COST, union representing 18,000 workers authorize nationwide strike, per Bloomberg.

— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) January 20, 2025

Costco defends its diversity policies as other US companies scale theirs back https://t.co/38FGnFDSSV

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 23, 2025