Sen. Ted Cruz, R‑Texas, took to social media this week to reiterate his long‑standing criticism of Nike, Inc. The senator posted on X that the company’s recent decision to pull a planned Betsy Ross‑themed sneaker demonstrated a marketing strategy he described as “America‑hate.” Cruz added that the move helped explain why Nike’s stock has fallen to a 12‑year low.
From personal boycott to public rebuke
Cruz’s post referenced a list of reasons compiled by conservative influencer Douglass Mackey, which highlighted what Mackey called Nike’s “woke” missteps. The senator recalled that he had worn Nike apparel for most of his life, but that the brand’s support for former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the cancellation of the patriotic shoe pushed him to stop buying the company’s products. “Kaepernick pissed me off, but when they cancelled the Betsy Ross shoe it showed that their marketing plan was America‑hate,” Cruz wrote, adding the hashtag #GoWokeGoBroke.
Nike’s stock slide
Investors have watched Nike’s share price tumble sharply since its peak of $177.51 in 2021. Earlier this week the stock reached its lowest level in twelve years, erasing nearly $200 billion in market value. While the decline reflects broader market pressures, Cruz and other conservatives argue that the company’s cultural positioning has accelerated the slide.
History of the boycott
The controversy dates back to 2019, when Nike announced a limited‑edition sneaker featuring the American flag’s Betsy Ross design for a July 4 release. After Kaepernick reportedly urged the company to abandon the product, citing concerns that the flag symbol had been co‑opted by extremist groups, Nike withdrew the shoe, citing “concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation’s patriotic holiday.” Cruz and other Republican leaders, including then‑Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, condemned the decision as capitulating to “woke” pressure.
At the time, Cruz posted, “It’s a good thing @Nike only wants to sell sneakers to people who hate the American flag… @NFL #HappyFourth.” McConnell echoed the sentiment, saying that if any other company made the same choice, he would be first in line to buy its products.
Political and economic implications
Cruz’s latest remarks underscore a broader debate among conservatives about corporate activism and its impact on American businesses. By linking the stock decline to perceived anti‑American sentiment, the senator frames the issue as both a matter of patriotism and fiscal responsibility.
While the senator’s statements are unlikely to affect Nike’s day‑to‑day operations, they contribute to an ongoing conversation about the role of consumer choice, free‑market forces, and the First Amendment rights of companies to express or withhold political viewpoints.
What’s next?
As Nike’s stock continues to fluctuate, the company has not issued a new statement regarding the controversy. Observers will watch whether additional political figures join Cruz in calling for a consumer boycott or whether the market stabilizes as investors assess the longer‑term financial outlook.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
