Macy’s CEO standing by Trump despite petition
(Associated Press)
Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren is sticking by billionaire Donald Trump and his apparel line despite an online petition to “dump Trump.”
The petition was started by Angelo Carusone of SignOn.org, a liberal website “Powered by MoveOn.org.” Carusone is trying to gather 650,000 signatures to persuade Macy’s to drop Trump’s merchandise and ads after the businessman’s repeated criticisms of President Barack Obama, culminating in an online tirade that called for a “revolution” after Obama was re-elected Nov. 6. So far, Carusone said, the petition drive has gathered more than 500,000 signatures.
Lundgren, however, told Carusone in a recent letter that while he appreciated the “clear and reasonable way” he’s expressed himself, Macy’s isn’t dumping Trump. Lundgren wrote, in part:
Please understand and appreciate that Macy’s marketing and merchandising offerings are not representative of any political position. Ours is a free society compromised of a wide range of viewpoints. Many of the individuals associated with products sold at Macy’s – or at any retailer, for that matter – express personal opinions that are not related to the merchandise we sell or to the philosophies of our company. That is the nature of a free society.
The CEO later thanked Carusone for “understanding our point of view.”
Trump’s criticism of Obama is no secret, from the president’s handling of the economy to the billionaire’s insistence that Obama produce his birth certificate – and college transcripts – to prove he’s a U.S. citizen. Trump has even offered to donate $5 million to a charity of Obama’s choosing if he reveals the documents, an offer that was ignored. Obama explained Trump to “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno by saying, “This all dates back to when we were growing up together in Kenya.”
After the election, Trump tweeted: “This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!”
In a statement to Bloomberg, Trump spokesman Michael Cohen said he “questioned the legitimacy and accuracy” of Carusone’s website “and the number of signatures claimed to have joined this petition.”
Carusone’s petition states: “Macy’s: Donald Trump does not reflect the “magic of Macy’s.” We urge you to sever ties with him. Macy’s says it has a strong obligation to be “socially responsible” and that “actions speak louder than words.” Indeed. It’s time to act.”
The fine print on the petition also states petitioners “agree to receive email messages from SignOn.org, MoveOn.org Civic Action and MoveOn.org Political Action.”
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161 comments Add your comment
BigWood
November 18th, 2012
6:58 am
Bought my last item from Macy’s. Will not support that Racist trump or folks who do business with him….
RP
November 18th, 2012
7:01 am
(OBAMA CARE) WILL TAKE CARE LITTLE DONALD TRUMP HE IS OVERRATED ANYWAY.
Tanner G
November 18th, 2012
7:40 am
Enter your comments here
AU Liberal in ATL
November 18th, 2012
7:41 am
People who say “liberals want this or liberals want that” clearly have no clue. They obviously just don’t understand what it means to be a liberal and they surely don’t know what we want. I won’t try to explain it here, there’s no point. I will say that their here comments reflect an unprecedented level of ignorance, stupidity and hatred that appears to be rooted in some kind of radical, right wing supremacist ideology and is totally void of any original thought.
I’m confident that the left is on the right side of history.
Donald Trump…irrelevant, now more than ever.
Your stupidity offends me
November 18th, 2012
7:50 am
Every ignorant petition signer is more than likely one of 49% of Americans who pay no income tax. And presidents do release their college transcripts which include admission forms. And for that ignorant poster that said ebt cards can’t be used at Macy’s, you’re wrong. After hurricane Katrina they gave people ebt cards to help with basic need. Where were they used? One example was at the Louis Vuitton store here in Atlanta. That poor soul didnt need food, just a Louis. Protest and sign petitions all you want. Capitalism will always win out. When you liberals lose your job because of this incompetent president, it will be capitolist like me that fire you. And the reason he was reelected was because he added 17 million more to welfare/food stamps. Until people gain some pride and self respect we will continue this trend in the White House. And before you condemn me on social issues, know I’ve given more to charity this year than most of the liberals have paid in taxes or even made. And before you use the word racist, please look up the definition. Your insinuation that people that disagree with this horrible president is disgusting and make you a biggot. I hoped and prayed a man like Herman Cain would stay in the race. Unfortunately some white trash claimed she had an affair with him. This only happened after he proposed term limits on congress. This would have given the power back to the people. Instead, lies were told. Herman Cain would have been good for America. America is a business and we need a business man at the top. Not a community organizer. Ignorance and laziness and entitlement is going to ruin this great country. Welfare can’t last forever. Get your lazy, welfare collecting, entitlement feeling ass off the couch and go to work and shop at a competitor of Macy’s instead of signing petitions. That’s why your ignorance offends me. And those that voted for him because he looks like you, god help each and everyone of you.
Whirled Peas
November 18th, 2012
7:59 am
It is amazing how intolerant liberals are. They claim to be the tolerant ones, but they only tolerate people who think like them.
Guest44
November 18th, 2012
8:36 am
Dump the CEO. He has damaged the Macy’s brand with his handling of this. Our guarantee of free speach only means that Trump can’t be arrested for his idiocy, it does not mean his behavior should not affect the way people and companies react to his vitrol. Trump is a discrace and a hateful bully. As a long time Macy’s customer, I will not shop there again until Trump is gone.
Donovan
November 18th, 2012
8:38 am
Unfortunately, the liberals are enjoying a high given to them after the re-election of their chosen one. These pinko commies have never seen such acceptance since the early 50’s-60’s when Che Guavarra was popular with the hippies.
Now it’s the Occupy Movement types and the anti-capitalists who have gained favor in the news media. This clown’s dot com petition is nothing more than a reaffirmation of the current down slide of this country’s social experiment with socialism.
Donald Trump is a courageous pragmatic and Macy’s Department store is a wonderful American institution under attack from left wing morons.
Jenna
November 18th, 2012
8:40 am
What is this crazed obsession some of you have with Obama? Really, no one can differ from your opinion of this man or you’ll try to ruin them in any way you can? This is still AMERICA people, despite having a non-patriotic Muslim for a president. We are allowed to voice our views even if it differs from yours. Get over yourselves and stop acting like cult members when it comes to defending your leader. Many of us don’t like having him for president, we certainly didn’t vote for him, and we support anyone who wants to voice their opinions (positive OR negative) of him, even if it is Donald Trump.
Onealpha
November 18th, 2012
8:46 am
I shall cut up my Macy’s card today and not shop at Macy’s as long as they have Trump merchandise in it. I would hope that clear thinking CEO’s could see the hand wrting on the wall. Good bye Macy’s.
Onealpha
November 18th, 2012
8:49 am
Jeana, you are just another racist rube. You say people have a right to voice their opinions and now I have voiced mine.
justme
November 18th, 2012
9:23 am
Ryan, your cousins all know they can’t use EBT cards. Be careful of what you say As for Macy’s I have destroyed my CC. Thanks and please stay neutral if you ever recover from this!
Samantha
November 18th, 2012
9:28 am
Well..Macys’ is OFF my shopping list altogether. I had 2 Macy’s cards. I JUST destroyed both of them. I will NEVER shop at Macys’ again. It’s apparent that the CEO of Macys could care less about his customers. He WILL feel it in his pockets. Their sales will plummet quickly. He will be forced to close more of his stores. He want to support that sorry doland trump, then be it. I choose to support other stores. Good riddance Macy’s!
Me
November 18th, 2012
9:29 am
Go ahead and close your account, or boycott. Macy’s was here before you, and they will be here long after you are gone morons.
AtlSteve
November 18th, 2012
9:31 am
I’m glad to see Macy’s is standing up for free enterprise. They will certainly be included in stores where I continue to shop.
Jeff
November 18th, 2012
9:36 am
If this discussion is really where America is, we are all in serious trouble! The hate and viciousness from both sides is disgusting in what is supposed to be a civil society. The strength of our nation has been its flexibility and ability to adapt to changing events, but all I see here are sore winners and even worse losers! In fact, as long as y’all want to sling hate over every petty offense, LOSER describes Our country. GROW UP and stop acting like you’re in Jr. High.
Some peo
Enlightened and Concerned
November 18th, 2012
9:37 am
When per capita entitlement “income” reaches six figures, a loaf of bread would have a purchase price in the hundreds of dollars due to inflation. This trend of “house me, feed me, clothe me, get me high, and pay me to have more children” cannot sustain itself forever (and it won’t).
Don’t try to label the above comment as racist because people of all races practice this. However, if you must, just label it under the category of the “human” race.
The bottom line is this: The economy is self-regulating. We can drive it in a particular direction but, in the end, it will correct itself by reversing direction out of necessity. There is a bear market for each and every bull market.
Everything in life has a “par stroke” accompanied by one caveat. Don’t adjust par. The trick is in being able to survive the corrections.
I will hang around this blog for a few minutes to explain this post/philosophy to those who require an explanation but I do plan to move on to the sports section soon to check on things that are a lot less self-regulating (i.e. college football scores).
Jeff
November 18th, 2012
9:37 am
Some people’s children!
yoyo5749
November 18th, 2012
9:40 am
Well, Let it go….President Obama is in the White House…There are other matter that need attention. Republicans are so hurt by this election.. They are losing their mind..This country need to work for the people not against…The real beast is the insurance company….Greed have gotten into there mind …This does not exclude TRUMP….He is the top dog of GREED…..
Enlightened and Concerned
November 18th, 2012
9:52 am
Stupidity is also self-regulating, according to Darwin.
Pancakes
November 18th, 2012
10:00 am
Not sure I understand Macy’s CEOs way of thinking. “Please understand and appreciate that Macy’s marketing and merchandising offerings are not representative of any political position.” Does that mean Macy’s will carry Nazi, Black Panthers, etc lines of clothing and products too?
Steve Huff
November 18th, 2012
10:43 am
i am sure then the ceo is aware that the same free society that allows donald trump to disrespect our country and its leader, and that allows the ceo to choose to associate macy’s wih donald trump is the same free society that allows people like me who find donald trump speech to be both treacherous and a dangerous threat to our country, to also freely choose to say with our speech and our money “so long dinald trump. so long macy’s.”. sleep in the bed you have created together.
Guest
November 18th, 2012
12:43 pm
I find it reprehensible that the Macy’s CEO reaction to the petition requesting that Macy’s drop their relationship with Trump, was to say that it is a free country and Trump is entitled to his opinion. I agree that Trump is entitled to an opinion however he is not entitled to disrespect the President of the United States and to harass and slander him. I am planning to boycott Macy’s and hope that everyone who agrees with me will do the same. Shame on Macy’s CEO for not understanding the true issue.
lboone
November 18th, 2012
1:10 pm
If Macy’s continue to support Donald Trump merchandise and commercials they can kiss my money good bye. Donald Trump tried to do everything that he could to humiliate The President of the United States because of his skin color. Thank you Angelo Carusone for starting this petition to Macy’s. I also, think we should boycott everything against Donald T.,such as his tv shows, casinos, golf courses, commercials etc. Donald Trump you are fired.
patti loughrey
November 18th, 2012
1:50 pm
fine if macy’s wishes to continue there business with the trumpster but i know and with other followers will no longer have anything to do with the company…i won’t even watch their parade….
Terry Lundgren
November 18th, 2012
2:43 pm
Are you a poor person who wants to dress like what you think a rich person dresses like? If so, you’ll love the Trump line of apparel available exclusively at Macy’s! For a limited time, get a free pair of paisley suspenders when you purchase a two-tone dress shirt and gold collar bar from the Corporate Executive Collection.
Vincent
November 18th, 2012
3:24 pm
Lungren stats “…Ours is a free society compromised of a wide range of viewpoints. …express personal opinions that are not related to the merchandise we sell or to the philosophies of our company. That is the nature of a free society.” while I agree that everyone is entitled to their own viewpoints, however such hateful views against anyone, especially our sitting President, do represent the product that is being sold at your stores, thus the stores views. Your other vendors like one commented (Martha Stewart, Et al) haven’t made such racist and other egregious comments are not hurting others. When people buy merchandise of people with opinions/views like Trump essentially send a message that their behavior is ok.
Dave Cain
November 18th, 2012
4:45 pm
Lundgren, Since Trump is a racist pig; and you want to stand with him; that makes you a racist pig. Since your holiday sales to reach historic lows; maybe you and Trump can sell copies of your Klan membership cards.
Mr. Trump
November 18th, 2012
5:00 pm
You people (the 47%) will never set foot in a Macy’s. Shoplifting is policed & prosecuted. You are invited to our parades but just don’t pickpocket!
Nzinga
November 18th, 2012
5:24 pm
“SignOn.org, a liberal website “Powered by MoveOn.org….”
It can’t help the cause to have your petition sponsored by hard line counterculture activists. I suspect if the petition had been promoted by, say, the Chamber of Commerce it might have been taken more seriously by Macy’s.
twojaks
November 18th, 2012
7:09 pm
Donald Trumps shirts are made in Bangladesh, the ties are made in China. When confronted with these facts, he shrugged. If they were made in America, it would be a little different, but they aren’t. This was on David Letterman. Probably seen by millions of people . He doesn’t even support this country by sending the jobs overseas to be made by slave labor. Don’t by Trump products at Macy’s.
jay
November 18th, 2012
7:20 pm
Screw Macy’s, poppa johns and denny’s and all republican scum
jay
November 18th, 2012
7:22 pm
If you voted for bush twice, do the world a favor and drink Clorox
jay
November 18th, 2012
7:24 pm
Screw the chamber of commerce, boycott them too..
SorryNoSale
November 18th, 2012
7:39 pm
Macy’s cannot claim an apolitical stance when they’re shining a light on Trump who has attacked President Obama relentlessly. Trump’s buffoonery have hurt the morale of the country. IF he made a heartfelt apology to the nation for his birtherism and racism, I would shop at Macy’s again. Under the present circumstances, however, I won’t step foot in the store. I worked hard for my Christmas spending cash and I’ll spend it at Penney’s instead.
Rich
November 18th, 2012
9:56 pm
Dear Ain’t that desparate you better cancel your $23k of new items your butt is going to have to start paying higher taxes…Just because your rich doesn’t mean your smart….Just a thougth, OH! enjoy the new tax increase
Tina
November 19th, 2012
12:31 am
@Ryan. your mother has an EBT card and she still shops at Macys. go figure.
Mike
November 19th, 2012
7:40 am
I stopped shopping at Macy’s when they merged with Rich’s. I began to openly hate them when they took over May Company and eliminated Marshall Field’s. In pushing their vision of a national behemoth department store, they destroyed century-old retail names that people had grown up with. They eliminated traditions. They closed restaurants, dropped better brand names, and turned it all into homogenized crap.
No point going to Chicago for Marshall Field’s anymore – it’s now a nice Macy’s.
I do watch the Rich’s Great Tree Lighting every Thanksgiving, because whoever redesigned the Men’s Store had to have been inspired by the tree’s original location at the downtown Rich’s.
Regarding Trump’s statements about Obama – they’re excessive and annoying, but anyone who says such things have never happened before need to reread history. Chester Arthur was born in Vermont but was continually accused of being Canadian. Despite being related by blood and marriage to a popular Republican president with the same last name, Frankling Roosevelt was accused of secretly being Jewish. In 1876 we had a tie in the Electoral College and the vote was settle by the House. None of this stuff is new.
Karma
November 19th, 2012
8:09 am
Good riddance. Maybe now I can shop in peace and not have to be bothered by the entitled, Obama worshipping ilk. Those that give the appearance of money typically don’t have a dime to their names. Walking around talking through your bluetooth with no one on the other end!
Boycotts do not work, but go ahead and throw a tantrum to your hearts content. FYI, Arizona did not suffer because of the Illegal Alien laws, BP is still around after the gulf oil disaster, and ChicFilA is still a booming business minus the G & L intolerants.
If you voted for Obama, that lowers you to garbage. We Romney supporters are fine, happy, wealthy and warm cuddling up to our money that you’ll never get. Try as you might you’ll never achieve or steal what you want from the real powers that run this country. Karma
Sean Combs
November 19th, 2012
8:14 am
Worship me,
worship Oprah,
worship Obama,
worship Black
He Didnt Win His Own State
November 19th, 2012
8:22 am
If Romney’s own state didnt support his Presidential efforts, why should we? Did they know something we didnt? Bottom line, after Presidents Obama’s win, we really began to see how divided we are as a country, and no matter how much you want to make this about finances, its truly about those of us who have yet to see past the issues of color!
To The Liberals
November 19th, 2012
9:32 am
Boycotts can go both ways. How about Conservatives boycotting Liberal products? Unions, Detroit, New York products? Could be done… but it is not productive to America. Don’t you people support free speech, or maybe you like the Communist Russia or China style of going ofter everyone who does not agree with you? Come on folks, we live in the same Country, we both have free speech rights. Trump can say anything he wants as well as Move Own. We need to be USA instead of Liberals and Conservatives and FREE SPEECH rules in a Democracy. We also need to have the Liberal Media, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC along with NY Times and other Liberal News outlets to do their job, protect our Democracy from Government lies and encroachments to our rights. Obama is no more perfect than George Bush was. Bush lied, Obama lied. Print it!
just sayin'
November 19th, 2012
9:55 am
So, it’s okay for all the so called “celebrities” to say negative things about “W” but if anyone criticizes King Obama, then it should be “off with their heads?” Those who preach tolerance (libs) are the most intolerant of those whose viewpoints differ.
Get over it! It’s called free speech. And to be brutally honest with you guys who want to cut up your credit cards….Well, I don’t know your level of spending at Macy’s, but they probably couldn’t care less. The only place your opinion really matters is in your own mind.
Patience M
November 19th, 2012
10:59 am
I visited my Macy’s yesterday and spoke to a salesperson in the men’s department. He was deeply disgusted with Donald Trump’s egotistical rants and told me he personally would never buy a Trump suit or shirt ever again. The man is a clown and a fool. I once did a project for his company and they did their best not to pay me. That’s his style, to string his vendors along and make them absorb his costs. I waited for months! Finally I had to DRIVE 75 miles to the Trump offices and basically park myself in his accounting department until they cut me a check. This man is a world class — well, I can’t say the word but it rhymes with grass-mole.
Patience M
November 19th, 2012
11:08 am
I pay taxes — a LOT of taxes! So don’t give me that 49% crap.
I voted for Obama because of my 86 year old Dad, who gets Social Security and Medicare. My Dad is amazing! He fought on Iwo Jima in World War II and lived through the depression. The only reason his family survived was because of welfare. Later he became a millionaire, but he never forgot that it was the GOVERNMENT that stood by his family when times were hard… and it is the GOVERNMENT that sends his Social Security check each month. America is strong because our government is FOR THE PEOPLE, not the corporations or the wealthy but for ALL of us.
Wayne
November 19th, 2012
11:32 am
Donald Trump is an idiot! Anyone who listens to his stupidity is also a fool. My Macy’s card will now be “terminated”. I never liked Macy’s anyhow. I used to like Gottchalks much better. Go Obama! All you Romney supporters you Lost. Your a loser now get over it dirtbags.
Abolish Redistributionist ideals - they don't work
November 19th, 2012
12:18 pm
You liberals are the bane of the continued wealth of the US, so enjoy it while you can. I suggest you quit your petty bickering and get your shopping done now – since you won’t be doing much of it after four more years of your anointed one. Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it – which is exactly where we are headed currently. Some Stats: For every one new job created under Oblameo there are 75 new Food Stamp recipients (also known as EBT in some states). Right after the Anointed one was re-elected the real Job creation numbers are coming out….Once OblameoCare kicks in and he gets his way with new taxes the percentage of those creating wealth in this country will drop drastically – soon there will be fewer paying in than recieving their checks….then the whole system will fall apart – so you better enjoy the largess while it is still available.
Andres Conde
November 19th, 2012
12:21 pm
I am boycotting Macy’s too. My main store but wont shop at a place that promotes a guy who preaches hate and lies. Trump is a joke.
Patience M
November 19th, 2012
1:33 pm
is full of crap.
Woofy
November 19th, 2012
1:48 pm
I am no fan of Mr. Trump’s. I find him toxic and a downright ugly being, but I have to agree with Macy’s on this one. They can’t quit carrying products just because you don’t agree with someone politically. The best thing for shoppers to do is not to buy the products with Trump’s name on it, if you don’t agree with him. Eventually, Macy’s will see the products are not profitable and will eventually call up Trump and say the glorious words “you’re fired”.