The iconic coffee chain is facing a right-wing boycott for what it didn’t do

It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since the Bud Light controversy.

For those who don’t remember, Bud Light found itself in a sticky situation when it decided to partner with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney to promote its product in honor of March Madness.

Related: Struggling rival Home Depot files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

And what became known as the Bud Light controversy dominated the headlines for weeks.

“This month I celebrated my 365th Women’s Day,” Mulvaney said in an Instagram video posted on April 1, 2023. “And Bud Light sent me probably the best gift ever: a can with my face on it!”

The post sparked backlash and plenty of online hate directed at both Mulvaney and Bud Light. The beer company eventually apologized for dividing America, though it continues to draw the ire of practically everyone; is now the central victim of a nationwide boycott.

Many of those people on social media and in the public sphere who called for a boycott of Bud Light leaned on the right side of politics.

Kid Rock posted a viral video of himself filming several racks of beer, and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) sent a formal letter to parent company Anheuser Busch, demanding an investigation into the Mulvaney partnership (The Review Board (the Beer Institute Code Compliance Review Board) ultimately ruled that the promotion did not violate its affiliate marketing code.)

A collection of coffee and tea based drinks and snacks from Dunkin. Duke.

Dunkin

Boycotts have been effective in some cases

But Bud Light is far from the only brand to deal with a boycott in recent years.

Similarly, in 2023, Target (TGT) was the subject of a boycott after it reportedly sold rainbow-colored clothing, accessories and other lines that included breast binders, swimwear and underwear designed for transgender consumers.

And the popular ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s found itself at the center of a similar boycott after it debuted its partnership with Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL player famous for kneeling during the National Anthem.

Related: Forget McDonald’s: Walmart is getting a hip new fast-food partner

The brand’s “Change the Whirled” ice cream flavor, made with Kaepernick, has caused a stir and routinely tweets politically charged sentiments about geopolitical events and policies that get under the skin of the American right.

“On July 4th, it’s time to recognize that the US exists on stolen Indigenous land and commit to returning it. Learn more and take action now,” Ben & Jerry’s tweeted in July 2023.

Fast food chain new subject of boycott

But just because we’ve put the summer of 2023 behind us doesn’t mean social media is any less loaded with brands taking a political stance on things.

Dunkin Donuts, the New England coffee chain popular for its delicious pastries and coffee drinks, has found itself the latest target of controversy.

In early August, a marketer from its parent company, Inspire Brand, said in an email that the brand would not advertise on Rumble, a video streaming service that works similar to YouTube.

More retail:

• Ulta’s CEO sounds the alarm on a growing problem
• Lululemon launches the first product of its kind
• Target is introducing a new ’18+’ policy.
• Amazon is launching a brilliant new subscription product

The marketer cited Rumble’s “right-wing culture” as the reason he did not want to work with her as an advertising partner.

Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski posted his email correspondence with the agent on X.

We pitched @DunkinDonuts and @InspireBrands because Rumble over cues with coffee consumption,” he explained. “Their discrimination against ‘right-wing culture’ inspired us to build @rumble1775 coffee, a coffee for all cultures (that great by the way).”

Second drop — I threw @dunkindonuts and @InspireBrands because Rumble over indices with coffee consumption. Their discrimination against “right-wing culture” inspired us to build @rumble1775 coffee, a coffee for all cultures (which are doing great). pic.twitter.com/ANzJXHUcwx

— Chris Pavlovski (@chrispavlovski) August 7, 2024

The tweet immediately set the political X on fire, with many prominent influencers calling for a Dunkin’ boycott.

“Trend it retweet it… Another woke company that thinks they have power over us,” wrote conservative account @Catturd2. Shortly after his tweet, the hashtag #BoycottDunkinDonuts became a top phrase on X.

#BoycottDunkinDonuts

Trend it retweet it…

Another woke company that thinks it has power over us.

So tired of these woke idiots.

— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) August 7, 2024

And prominent radio and TV personality Dan Bongino, who is also an investor in Rumble, called for a nationwide boycott.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to boycott Dunkin Donuts,” he said during his radio show. “I’m sick of these people. I’m sick of this bullshit. And if they want to go to war with right-wing culture, then we’re going to show them what right-wing culture is all about.”

💥SHORTER CLIP💥

Dan Bongino @dbongino call @catturd2 LIVE ON AIR to thank him for receiving #TamponTim and #BoycottDunkinDonuts MEGA TRENDING‼️‼️👏👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/cm37yYVEaT

– MAGA Kitty (@SaveUSAKitty) August 8, 2024

Related: Veteran fund manager picks favorite stocks for 2024