Why Is Social Media Calling for a Skims Boycott This Time? Trump

The Kardashian family is no stranger to controversy, and this time, it's Kim Kardashian who finds herself under fire. The latest backlash is putting her intimates and shapewear brand, Skims, front and center, urging shoppers to boycott.

After the President Donald Trump's inauguration, the reality star and business mogul posted a photo of First Lady Melania Trump (in her very wide-brimmed hat) on her Instagram story. The post had no text or comment from Kardashian, and it ignited outrage across social media. Her move prompted an overwhelming quantity of backlash, with social media users upset that Kardashian appeared to be aligning herself with the Trump family. But, as many noted, it's something she has seemed to do before.

Shortly after Kardashian's story post, the Skims co-founder's name skyrocketed on X's trending page, with users voicing their decision to stop buying from Skims. TikTok users also took this opportunity to encourage their peers to boycott the brand and any other mark owned by the Kardashian family. In a viral TikTok video with over 200,000 likes, creator Nigel Lavelle expressed frustration with those who continue to purchase from Skims. "I don't care how cute the set is. I don't care if it comes in your favorite color... do not buy anything from that woman ever again," they urged.

This isn't the first time Kardashian has faced criticism for her connection to and apparent support of the Trump family. In the past, she met with President Trump to advocate for criminal justice reform—this was a move some applauded, while others saw it as an endorsement of his administration. With political tensions at an all-time high today, many consumers are no longer willing to separate Kardashian's business ventures from her personal associations.

The backlash could spell trouble for Skims, Kardashian's shapewear empire (valued at $4 billion in 2023). Kardashian has remained silent and has yet to address the latest backlash, with neither she nor Skims issuing an official statement. As the latest calls for boycott rage on, some are waiting to see whether Kardashian will seek to distance herself from the controversy or stand firm in her choices. The real question remains: How will shoppers decide where to spend their dollars in today's climate as more brands reveal unsavory political affiliation?