Trump’s Fury Unleashed: 18 Brands, Including Oreos, Face Scathing Backlash

Amy LewisNov 13, 2023

Minute Read

Oh, brands. They make our mornings brighter, our snacks crunchier, and our wardrobes snazzier. But occasionally, they make it onto someone’s not-so-favorite list. For Donald Trump, several brands have felt the burn of his tweets or pointed comments. Why? Read on to discover the 18 brands Donald Trump tried to put in the naughty corner and the stories behind each.

Standing Up or Taking a Knee?

The National Football League (NFL) is America’s premier professional football institution. While many tuned in for touchdowns, Trump turned his attention to the sidelines. Players began kneeling during the national anthem as a protest against racial inequality. Trump voiced strong opposition, feeling that this act disrespected the flag and the nation.

Dance Videos or Security Risks?

TikTok, the viral app where everyone from teens to grandmas shows off their dance moves, got Trump’s attention. He voiced concerns over national security implications tied to the app’s Chinese ownership. Could a dance trend really be a national security risk? Trump thought maybe.

A Prime Concern Over Taxes and Post

Amazon is more than just a river in South America. It’s the massive online retailer we all probably use too much. Trump took issue with Amazon’s tax strategies and its ties with the U.S. Postal Service, suggesting that maybe they weren’t paying their fair share. He also disliked their stance towards him.

Where’s the Christmas Cheer?

Starbucks, the iconic coffee chain known for its green mermaid and seasonal drinks, stirred controversy with its holiday cup design. Trump felt that the minimalistic design was a sign of the “War on Christmas” because it lacked obvious Christmas symbols. Who knew coffee cups could brew up such a debate?

Dragons, Thrones, and Trump?

HBO, the network behind hit series like “Game of Thrones,” didn’t appreciate Trump borrowing imagery from their show for his political memes. They believed politics and their fantasy series shouldn’t mix and claimed that he wasn’t allowed to use their shows for his political memes. But, in the battle for the Iron Throne, Trump said there were no rules!

A Tweet Too Far?

Twitter, the platform where you can instantly share thoughts with the world, decided to halt Trump’s tweeting spree. They permanently suspended his account, concerned about potential further incitement of violence. It’s one thing to go viral, but Trump’s tweets sparked real-world concerns.

Roaring Beyond American Borders

Harley-Davidson has always been synonymous with the classic American spirit. Yet, facing heavy European tariffs, the famed motorcycle manufacturer made the tough decision to relocate a portion of its production overseas to cut costs. This led Trump, an advocate for keeping jobs on American soil, to express his disappointment openly, suggesting that the brand had lost its patriotic edge.

A Core Debate Over Privacy vs. Safety

Apple’s sleek devices are a global sensation. But beyond the glitz, Apple faced a massive ethical and public relations challenge. When government officials sought to unlock an iPhone tied to a terrorist act, Apple was stuck. While Trump pressed for immediate access, championing national security concerns, Apple took a stand for user privacy.

A Fizzing Debate Over Voting Rights

Coca-Cola is probably the most iconic drink and the world, and they occasionally voice societal opinions, too. When the soft drink behemoth voiced concerns over voting rights in Georgia, it found itself facing backlash. Trump quickly challenged Coca-Cola’s stance, stirring up a far more complex conversation than the age-old “Pepsi vs. Coke” debate.

Shifting Gears in Production

General Motors (GM) dropped a bombshell when it announced potential plant closures in the U.S. while also considering increasing production abroad. Trump, always an outspoken proponent of American jobs and manufacturing, found this decision hard to stomach. He argued that such moves betrayed the American workforce that had long supported the brand.

A Sweet Treat with a Bitter Aftertaste

Oreo cookies, known for their perfect twist, lick, and dunk routine, ended up in a twist of their own. Their decision to shift some production lines from Chicago to Mexico felt sour to Trump. In his view, such decisions eroded America’s manufacturing landscape, and he felt Oreo should have whipped up a different plan.

Tuning Into Controversial Frequencies

AT&T, the telecom giant with roots dating back to Alexander Graham Bell, eyed a mega-deal with Time Warner, CNN’s parent company. However, Trump, having frequently clashed with CNN’s coverage of his administration, expressed concerns. He feared that the merger would hand more broadcast power to a network he often found at odds with.

Navigating the Social Media Maze

Post the unsettling Capitol events of January 6, 2021, Facebook (or “Meta” in its futuristic avatar) made a bold move. They suspended Trump’s account, citing fears over the promotion of violence. This unprecedented step ignited discussions on the role and responsibility of social media platforms in shaping public discourse.

Treading a Political Tightrope

Goodyear, a brand usually associated with steady road journeys, hit a political pothole. An internal slide surfaced, suggesting employees avoid wearing MAGA attire. Trump’s response was swift, expressing displeasure at what he perceived as a corporate stance against his political brand.

Broadcasting Beyond the Headlines

CNN, the 24/7 news network, often became the news story itself during Trump’s tenure. The president critiqued its coverage relentlessly, coining and popularizing the term “fake news” in reference to the network. This running saga emphasized the tensions between the Oval Office and some media houses.

Beyond the Glittering Shop Windows

Macy’s faced a storm when it chose to drop Trump’s clothing line. While the store cited business reasons following some of Trump’s controversial remarks on Mexican immigrants, the president felt the move was a direct snub, emphasizing the interplay of politics and business. He argued that companies shouldn’t get involved in political matters like this.

High-End Fashion, High-End Controversies

The luxury brand Nordstrom made headlines when they stopped carrying Ivanka Trump’s fashion line. They pointed to diminishing sales, but Trump interpreted it as offensive to his family and publicly called for people to boycott the brand. But what was Nordstrom meant to do – continue selling a product that had poor sales? That’s just ridiculous!

Racing on Controversial Tracks

With its iconic “swoosh” and “Just Do It” slogan, Nike took a bold step featuring Colin Kaepernick, known for his NFL protests, in an ad campaign. This decision didn’t sit well with Trump, who had previously expressed disdain for NFL players kneeling during the anthem. This sports brand, known for outrunning competitors, found itself sprinting through a political hurdle.