Kroger's disclosed campaign finance and lobbying expenditures, while transparent, underscore its active role in shaping public policy. The significant lobbying spending of $1,600,000 in the 2024 cycle raises concerns from an anti-fascist perspective, as it contributes to corporate political influence that can work against progressive reforms and labor rights, even though there is no explicit evidence of support for far-right policies.

Kroger Co Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The high-handed and dismissive negotiation tactics, including filing lawsuits to intimidate union members and attempts to extend unfavorable contract terms, reflect an abuse of executive power intended to undermine collective bargaining.

First Skirmish: Ten Thousand Grocery Workers Strike Kroger

The article details recurring instances where Kroger has been linked to modern slavery practices through its suppliers. The repeated involvement in forced labor operations, despite available ethical sourcing alternatives like the Fair Food Program, reflects a significant lapse in supply chain ethics and a disregard for fundamental human rights.

Grocery giant and Fair Food holdout Kroger linked to yet another modern slavery ring

The report indicates that Kroger Co’s PAC allocated $186,000 to federal candidates, including some with records that align with far-right or authoritarian tendencies. From an anti-fascist perspective, even bipartisan contributions that inadvertently fund candidates with problematic policies can undermine progressive reforms and workers' rights.

Kroger Co PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates • OpenSecrets