‘Dump Trump’ Petition Looks Unlikely To Succeed After New Macy’s Response

The “Dump Trump” petition that asked Macy’s to dump Donald Trump and all of his products has finally sparked a response from the retail giant. Alas, it doesn’t seem to carry much hope for those hoping to see Trump dropped by the store.

In an email to Businessweek, spokesman Jim Sluzewski stated that Macy’s does not align itself with any particular political position, a response that suggests the 550,000 signatures amassed so far by the “Dump Trump” petition are in vain:

“Macy’s marketing and merchandise offerings are not representative of any political position. 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.”

Trump himself has declared himself unmoved by the “Dump Trump” petition, and that confidence now seems to be justified. Indeed, the reality TV star appears in Macy’s Christmas ad (viewable below) alongside other Macy’s celebs such as Justin Bieber, Tommy Hilfiger, Martha Stewart, and Taylor Swift.

The ad uses images of Kris Kringle from the movie Miracle on 34th Street and, at one point, seems to allude to Trump’s recent calls for President Barack Obama to provide proof of his identity. In the TV spot, Trump asks Kringle, “What’s with the get-up, Kris?” When Kringle replies that he’s Santa Claus, Trump pulls Kringle’s beard to test the claim. The commercial concludes with Kringle telling Trump, “If I can win you over, there’s still hope.”

However, this isn’t a reference to Trump’s demands of Obama, claims Sluzewski in his email:

“A longtime focus of Macy’s holiday advertising has been to celebrate the season’s spirit of generosity and goodwill through our ongoing ‘Believe’ campaign, and that is the sole message of our holiday television commercials.”

In the days since the “Dump Trump” petition began, the real estate mogul has spent his time gently goading opponents on Twitter:

Just saw my new line of shirts, ties & suits @macys — they are fantastic! Would make great holiday presents!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 12, 2012

My fragrance–”Success”– is flying off the shelves @macys. The perfect Christmas gift!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2012

You can watch Donald Trump in Macy’s Christmas TV spot below. Do you think the retailer should dump Trump for his political views? And would Trump’s association with Macy’s lead you to boycott the store?