Costco is facing calls for a boycott from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump after its board of directors refused to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, even in the face of pressure from shareholders. The controversy highlights the growing national debate over DEI initiatives, which have become a point of contention for many conservatives.
While DEI programs were once hailed as essential for fostering workplace fairness, they have increasingly come under fire from critics who argue that these policies often promote reverse discrimination and are at odds with merit-based hiring and promotion. In recent years, some major companies have rolled back or restructured their DEI efforts after facing pushback from conservative consumers and legal challenges.
Project 2025, a policy initiative backed by several prominent supporters of the incoming Trump administration, identifies the elimination of DEI practices as a top priority. This plan aims to address what it views as the harmful influence of these programs in both the public and private sectors. Trump himself has repeatedly criticized DEI programs, calling them a form of “woke” overreach that undermines American values.
In Costco’s case, a group of shareholders requested a report assessing the potential risks of maintaining DEI policies, describing them as “illegal discrimination.” However, Costco’s board doubled down on its commitment to diversity, stating that the company’s DEI efforts align with its core values of respect and inclusion. In a statement, the board asserted that the company’s success is based on its ability to serve employees, members, and suppliers equally, with a focus on fairness and ethical conduct.
The response has sparked outrage among many Trump supporters, who see Costco’s stance as another example of corporate America prioritizing left-wing values over the interests of conservative consumers. Robby Starbuck, a pro-Trump filmmaker, took to social media, urging conservatives to spend their money elsewhere unless Costco revises its policies.
As the debate over DEI programs intensifies, corporate America may have to choose sides. With Trump poised to return to the White House, his administration has signaled a stronger push against DEI in federal agencies and beyond, further amplifying the pressure on companies like Costco to reconsider their positions.