Costco is at the center of a heated debate, facing calls for a boycott from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. The uproar began when Costco’s leadership stood firm on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, even after some shareholders pushed for the company to drop these initiatives.
For years, DEI programs have been a big part of workplaces across the country, aimed at promoting fairness and inclusion. But recently, these efforts have come under fire, especially from certain political groups. In some cases, companies have even scaled back or ended their DEI programs after boycotts and criticism.
This controversy connects to Project 2025, a set of policies backed by Trump supporters, which includes a strong stance against DEI initiatives in both public and private sectors. The goal? To dismantle such programs as part of a broader conservative agenda.
At Costco, the tension escalated when a group of shareholders claimed the company’s DEI policies amounted to “illegal discrimination.” They wanted a detailed report on the potential risks of keeping these efforts in place. But Costco’s board of directors pushed back, saying their DEI policies align with the company’s ethical code. In their words, “Our commitment to respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary.”
This decision didn’t sit well with Trump supporters, who took to social media to voice their anger. Some, like Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker and Trump supporter, urged conservatives to stop shopping at Costco, saying the company should reconsider its stance to avoid losing customers. Others, like AJ Huber, a vocal MAGA supporter, called for people to cancel their memberships entirely.
However, not everyone was critical of Costco. Civil rights activist Nadine Smith praised the company for staying true to its values, saying that true values don’t crumble under pressure.
As the debate continues, Costco finds itself in a challenging position. With Trump set to take office on January 20, discussions about DEI programs in companies and government are likely to heat up even more. For now, Costco remains committed to its approach, navigating the tricky balance between business decisions and social values.
