Walmart pulled its quarterly operating income forecast citing uncertainty from President Trump's newly imposed tariffs on goods from China, Vietnam, and other countries. The company stated this move was driven by a desire to maintain flexibility in investing in price reductions to keep low prices for consumers.

Walmart is expanding its Walmart+ membership program as a key strategy to boost e-commerce sales and store traffic amid mounting tariff pressures and recession fears. The program, which now accounts for nearly half of Walmart's online sales and offers discounted rates for customers qualifying for government assistance, is seen as a tool to drive customer loyalty during economic uncertainty.

Walmart’s decision to lower prices to attract inflation-fatigued shoppers has contributed to the decline of smaller discount chains, as highlighted in a recent report. This tactic has played a role in the closure of Family Dollar stores and intensified market consolidation.

Walmart, one of America’s largest retailers, is reported to be pressuring its suppliers to absorb the increased costs from U.S. tariffs, a practice that raises concerns about its ethical business practices and broader economic influence on global supply chains.

Walmart is investigating a note recounting forced labor conditions in China, raising concerns over labor practices and supply chain management amid growing scrutiny over human rights abuses.

After announcing a rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, Walmart is facing criticism from a coalition of shareholders and Democratic state attorneys general who argue that the decision undermines progress in workplace inclusion and hurts marginalized communities. The letters urge CEO Doug McMillon to reconsider the policy change and highlight concerns over the abandonment of initiatives that had been part of Walmart’s stated commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

Walmart confirmed that it is rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies by eliminating diversity trainings, deprioritizing diverse suppliers, and removing DEI language from official documents. This shift, which replaced 'diversity' with 'belonging', has led 13 state attorneys general to formally question the decision and urge the company to reconsider, citing concerns over civil rights protections and the alienation of minority customers and employees.

Walmart stated that it does not tolerate underage labor in its supply chain, announced an investigation, and reiterated its commitment to supplier standards and responsible sourcing practices to ensure dignity and prevent exploitation.

Walmart announced sweeping rollbacks of its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, including no longer prioritizing minority- and women-owned suppliers, discontinuing its racial equity center, and withdrawing from the Human Rights Campaign’s benchmark index. These changes come amid shifting legal risks following Trump’s administration and conservative legal victories.

An April 2024 Oxfam America report has exposed Walmart's utilization of invasive surveillance technologies in its warehouses, resulting in harsh working conditions and undermining labor rights.

An Oxfam America report highlights how Walmart's adoption of oppressive warehouse surveillance practices adversely affects worker health, safety, and dignity, echoing similar issues at Amazon and disproportionately impacting women and workers of color.

An April 2024 report from Oxfam America details how Walmart has implemented repressive surveillance technology in its warehouses, leading to worker intimidation, inadequate break times, and adverse physical and mental health outcomes.

In early 2024, Walmart's engagement with the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) highlighted both improvements and remaining gaps in its management of human rights risks within its global supply chain. While the company has implemented third‐party audits across numerous facilities and processes to address issues including child labour and forced labor allegations, activists call for greater transparency, particularly the disclosure of Tier One suppliers.

Walmart spent $7,070,000 on federal lobbying in 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. This expenditure highlights the company's active engagement in influencing political processes, raising concerns over corporate influence on policy-making.

Walmart issued a public response following an investigation into allegations of Uyghur forced labour and migrant worker abuse in its seafood supply chains. The company underscored its non‐negotiable commitment to responsible sourcing and human rights, promising rigorous investigations and swift remedial actions against any supplier violations.

The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise has launched an investigation into allegations that Walmart Canada's supply chain may involve forced labour linked to Uyghur populations in Xinjiang, China. The probe criticizes Walmart Canada's vague responses and insufficient due diligence regarding suppliers.

Canadian authorities have launched an investigation into Walmart Canada, alongside Diesel and Hugo Boss, over allegations that products are being sold that are manufactured with forced labour in China, implicating Uyghur workers in the process.

A report by United for Respect Education Fund detailed Walmart and the Walton family's political contributions during the 2023-2024 cycle, revealing that over $824,000 was funneled to state-level Republican candidates with histories of supporting strict anti-abortion measures, including legislations that restrict reproductive healthcare.

A report by United for Respect reveals that Walmart and the Walton family have directed substantial funds towards political spending, including over $32 million in direct political support and $824,000 in contributions to state-level Republican candidates and former governors. The spending has been linked to backing candidates who promote draconian reproductive health policies, thereby supporting authoritarian measures that could undermine democratic processes.

Walmart and its affiliates donated a total of $1.89 million during the 2022 election cycle, with over half of the contributions directed to Republican committees and candidates. This donation pattern raises concerns about support for far-right and authoritarian policy agendas.

Walmart announced that its political action committee would indefinitely suspend contributions to members of Congress who voted against the lawful certification of state electoral college votes—a decision made in the wake of the Capitol attack and widespread claims of voter fraud. The company emphasized that this suspension is part of a routine review of its political giving strategy, and noted CEO Doug McMillon’s intent to work with the Biden Administration, signaling a move away from prior affiliations and a commitment to democratic accountability.

A new report by the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union details how Walmart and the Walton family have dramatically increased political contributions to right-wing causes, including appointments of politically affiliated executives, and highlights ongoing issues with labor practices.