Costco's political contributions of over $1.23 million in 2024 indicate a significant deployment of corporate financial resources in the political sphere. While there were no lobbying expenditures reported, such large donations can amplify corporate influence over policy making, potentially sidelining democratic accountability. From an anti-fascist perspective, this level of corporate political engagement raises concerns about the erosion of public influence in favor of corporate interests.

Costco Wholesale Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Costco's reported contribution of over $1.2M in the 2024 cycle demonstrates significant corporate political spending. From an anti-authoritarian perspective, such financial influence—absent counterbalancing lobbying or transparency measures—raises concerns about the potential for undue corporate influence on democratic processes.

Costco Wholesale Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

By dismissing the anti-DEI proposal, Costco reaffirms its commitment to ethical business practices and inclusion, thereby upholding corporate responsibility toward marginalized communities and maintaining progressive labor standards.

Costco shareholders reject an anti-DEI measure, after Walmart and others end diversity programs

By upholding its DEI efforts, Costco reinforces its commitment to fair labor practices and the protection of human rights among its diverse workforce. This action supports inclusivity and equal opportunity, countering trends that could undermine worker rights and marginalized communities.

Costco board decries effort to end its DEI programs

Costco's reported actions—expelling union representatives, harassing workers displaying union affiliation, obstructing union communications by changing locks and removing literature—reflect significant anti-worker practices that undermine labor rights. Such behavior is inconsistent with promoting fair labor practices and is seen as aligning with authoritarian, anti-union tendencies.

Costco accused of unfair labor practices by Teamsters union

The charges allege that Costco engaged in severe anti-worker practices by intimidating and disciplining union supporters, undermining collective bargaining rights. These actions reflect a blatant disregard for labor rights and contribute to an authoritarian corporate environment, warranting a strongly negative rating in the realm of labor relations and human rights practices.

Teamsters File Charges Against Costco

Costco board members, through substantial donations to Democratic candidates and PACs, have taken a public stance that defends DEI and progressive values. In an environment where there is pushback against DEI policies, these contributions signal a commitment to inclusive practices and counter authoritarian pressures, aligning with anti-fascist principles.

Costco board members donated heavily to Democrats in 2024 election cycle

The substantial donations made by key board members to progressive and Democratic-aligned PACs and candidates are a clear demonstration of support for anti-fascist and inclusive policies. This political engagement not only reinforces DEI initiatives despite public backlash but also actively supports movements against authoritarian tendencies.

Costco board members donated heavily to Democrats in 2024 election cycle

Costco continues to sell surveillance products manufactured in China despite allegations linking these products to human rights abuses and cybersecurity risks. This decision, highlighted by bipartisan lawmakers, raises serious concerns about the company's potential complicity in facilitating repressive technologies.

Lawmakers Demand Answers From Costco Over Sale of Surveillance Equipment Made Using ‘Banned Chinese Components’

By selling surveillance technology that is on the banned list, Costco indirectly supports the market for repressive technologies. The equipment’s links to invasive surveillance practices and ethnic profiling, which have been used in authoritarian regimes, contribute to broader systemic abuses.

U.S. Lawmakers Charge Costco with Selling More Banned Surveillance Equipment

Additional concerns have been raised regarding Costco’s supply chain, particularly in relation to forced labor allegations in its seafood sourcing. This raises ethical sourcing red flags and suggests complicity in human rights abuses, which is at odds with responsible business practices.

Lawmakers Rake Costco Over The Coals For Selling Government-Banned Chinese Spy Gear

The continued sale of the controversial surveillance equipment undermines Costco's ethical commitments regarding its supply chain. By persisting in offering products associated with human rights abuses and unethical sourcing, Costco faces significant accountability concerns from lawmakers.

Lawmakers say Costco’s decision to continue selling banned China surveillance tech is ‘puzzling’

By not engaging with or acknowledging the allegations of forced labor in its seafood supply chains, Costco exhibits a neglect in supply chain ethics. This non-response not only undermines trust but also suggests a potential complicity in unethical sourcing practices that contribute to authoritarian exploitation.

Costco non-response to Uyghur forced labour & migrant worker abuse in seafood supply chains

The non-response by Costco to audit failures in detecting child labour in its supply chains indicates a neglect in enforcing ethical sourcing practices and protecting workers' rights. This inaction reflects negatively on the company's overall commitment to ethical business practices and labor standards.

Costco non-response New York Times alleging audits fail to detect child labour in supply chains

Costco's established policy against making political contributions — including to any political party, candidate, or via indirect methods such as 527 organizations — reflects a deliberate effort to avoid channeling corporate funds into potentially authoritarian or extremist political agendas. This transparent stance supports anti-fascist values by ensuring political neutrality and ethical engagement.

Costco Wholesale Corporation Policy Regarding Spending on Elections and Policy Advocacy

The complaint not only raises supply chain issues but also underscores systemic labor rights violations including forced labor, which directly impacts worker rights and human dignity.

Costco Taken to Court for Knowingly Selling Slave Labor Shrimp to Unsuspecting Californians