US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged Nike to reverse its decision to halt sales of a trainer featuring an old US flag, which some consider racist. McConnell promised to make the first order if the sportswear giant changes its mind.
The special-edition Fourth of July trainer, which features the Revolutionary War-era Betsy Ross flag, was withdrawn after complaints that it represented an era of slavery. The flag has been adopted by the American Nazi Party and other extremist groups, though its origins and meaning are disputed.
Nike's decision sparked a backlash from conservative America. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey cancelled a $1m grant to help the company build a factory in the state. Texas Senator Ted Cruz dismissed the move as unpatriotic, tweeting that Nike 'only wants to sell sneakers to people who hate the American flag'.
Colin Kaepernick, a Nike-sponsored athlete and activist, was widely reported to have raised concerns about the flag, though he has not commented publicly. Kaepernick previously sparked controversy by kneeling during the US national anthem to protest police violence against African-Americans.
Despite the backlash, industry experts suggest Nike's core demographic of teens may support the decision. Matt Powell of NPD Group noted that he does not see many teens expressing negative attitudes towards the move on social media.
