Trump defends Home Depot co-founder after shoppers threaten boycott

President Trump on Tuesday defended Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus amid boycott threats from shoppers over the billionaire’s declaration he would donate to the president’s reelection bid.

“A truly great, patriotic & charitable man, Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot who, at the age of 90, is coming under attack by the Radical Left Democrats with one of their often used weapons. They don’t want people to shop at those GREAT stores because he contributed to your favorite President, me!” Trump tweeted Tuesday.

“These people are vicious and totally crazed, but remember, there are far more great people (‘Deplorables’) in this country, than bad. Do to them what they do to you. Fight for Bernie Marcus and Home Depot!” he added.

….to your favorite President, me! These people are vicious and totally crazed, but remember, there are far more great people (“Deplorables”) in this country, than bad. Do to them what they do to you. Fight for Bernie Marcus and Home Depot!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2019

Trump went on to say that liberals “don’t understand that two can play that game.”

“More and more the Radical Left is using Commerce to hurt their ‘Enemy.’ They put out the name of a store, brand or company, and ask their so-called followers not to do business there. They don’t care who gets hurt, but also don’t understand that two can play that game!” he said in a subsequent tweet. 

More and more the Radical Left is using Commerce to hurt their “Enemy.” They put out the name of a store, brand or company, and ask their so-called followers not to do business there. They don’t care who gets hurt, but also don’t understand that two can play that game!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2019

The boycott threats first emerged after Marcus gave an interview to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in which he said he would give money to Trump’s 2020 campaign, saying the president is a boon to the economy and has taken a strong stance on confronting China over unfair trade practices. 

“Cutting up my card and never shopping there again. #BoycottHomeDepot,” one Twitter user said.

Cutting up my card and never shopping there again. #BoycottHomeDepot https://t.co/HqYzWSHPuE

— LeeAnn Kendall (@leeannkendall) July 1, 2019

A Home Depot spokesperson told MarketWatch that Marcus retired from the company more than 15 years ago and “isn’t speaking on behalf of the company. In fact, as a standard practice, the company does not endorse presidential candidates.”