Viral TikTok Claims Sephora Donated to Trump Campaign, Sparking Boycott Calls and Mixed Reactions
3 min read
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A recent TikTok video has sparked significant controversy by alleging that Sephora, the beauty giant, made substantial donations to Donald Trump’s campaign. The video, posted on November 10 by user @karriemarie4, lists brands purportedly supporting Trump’s political activities, singling out Sephora in particular. The claim, reading “Sephora BIG BIG BIG DONATIONS!!” urged viewers to reconsider their holiday shopping plans, implying a boycott could be in order.
Sephora, owned by the French multinational luxury conglomerate LVMH, has been thrust into the spotlight by this video. According to OpenSecrets, a resource tracking political contributions, there is no evidence that LVMH itself made direct contributions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. However, it does note that individual members, employees, and affiliates of LVMH have supported various political causes, including Kamala Harris’ campaign. Despite some Republican-aligned donations from affiliated individuals, there is no verifiable link to direct contributions to Trump’s campaign from LVMH or Sephora.
Ngl Sephora shocked me. pic.twitter.com/kF4x46nnGi
— Ishmael (@ishcontent) November 10, 2024
Nonetheless, social media reactions to the video have been intense, with many users rallying around the idea of boycotting Sephora. Comments ranged from humorous quips to passionate criticisms. One TikTok user joked, “I told my hubby Sephora was a big donor, and he said, ‘Is it because they supply his orange makeup?’” On X, another user criticized Sephora’s alleged support, saying, “Sephora pushing beauty standards on women just to turn around and donate thousands to Trump… women, stop supporting this wolf in sheep’s clothing!”
The video not only highlights Sephora but also includes a roster of other retailers allegedly supporting Trump’s campaign. This list features brands such as ACE Hardware, Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, and Walmart, each with their own histories of politically oriented contributions. While some of these companies have contributed to conservative causes in the past, specific donations to Trump’s campaign remain unconfirmed in the context of 2024.
I just had to empty my Sephora cart of $500 to go buy everything from Nordstrom because apparently Sephora was a hugeeee donator to the trump campaign? Oop.
— ZeeTroit (@ZbandsBaby) November 10, 2024
Calls for a Sephora boycott have grown, with some former customers pledging to move their purchases to rival beauty retailers, such as Ulta. A particularly pointed comment on X stated, “I just emptied my Sephora cart of $500 to go buy everything from Nordstrom because apparently Sephora was a huge donor to Trump?!” Others chimed in, saying they’d be abandoning their Sephora memberships and rewards programs in response to the rumor. One disgruntled former customer said, “Ulta rewards were always better. Now that you’ve been exposed as a corporate funder of Trump, we are done.”
Despite the uproar, Sephora has not released an official statement addressing the viral claim. Without verifiable evidence linking Sephora or LVMH directly to Trump’s 2024 campaign, the situation remains a contentious mix of rumor and reaction. Political contributions, even indirect ones, have always been sensitive for brands, and with the increasing prevalence of social media scrutiny, consumers are more vocal than ever about supporting companies that align with their values.
As the debate continues online, the impact on Sephora’s brand image remains to be seen. This episode demonstrates how quickly viral claims can shape consumer behavior and company perception, especially when tied to polarizing political figures. Whether or not Sephora addresses these claims directly, the incident underscores the power of social media in influencing public opinion and driving consumer activism.
finding out Sephora donated to trump campaigns is just.. 😭
— ˗ˏˋ raven ˎˊ˗ (@datzzsooravenn) November 10, 2024
everyday gets worse
Sephora could afford to donate money to Trump's campaign but couldn't afford to have one of their employees do a shade match for Trump's everchanging bronzer 🥴 https://t.co/9X61mALxNK
— ✨𝐄𝐢𝐳𝐚 (@exxzaaa) November 10, 2024
I’m sorry what?? @Sephora you donated millions to #trump !?! Oh fuck no #boycott #Presidentialelection
— Rosa Nice (@Rosa_notso_Nice) November 10, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
