Sticker Mule’s pro-Trump message sparks online firestorm | News

In response to Constantino’s email, customers of X, formerly known as Twitter, threatened to stop purchasing Sticker Mule products because of Trump’s support for staunch conservative policies and his history of inciting violent rhetoric. (It’s worth noting that Republicans have also accused Biden and his supporters of creating a toxic political climate by portraying Trump as a threat to democracy.)

Olive & York, a Miami-based custom clothing company, said in an article on X that it spent $17,041 on Sticker Mule gear and that because of Constantino’s email, it plans to move its business elsewhere.

“Doubling down on your efforts by emailing everyone telling them they should buy Trump gear, in an email titled ‘Trump 2024,’ is certainly a choice, Sticker Mule,” the company wrote.

A similar, condensed message, excluding the promotion, was also posted on X with a widely circulated photo of a bloodied Trump raising his fist as members of the US Secret Service crowded around him. Trump was grazed in the ear by a sniper bullet before the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed.

One X user described the post as “exploiting a tragedy to make crude political points,” and another called it a “big mistake” on the company’s part. The post even caught the attention of Kevin Cate, a freelance filmmaker and former spokesman for Barack Obama’s campaign.

“Any political violence is unacceptable and yesterday was a sad day for our country. However, that does not make Trump’s record any less abhorrent, hateful and humiliating,” Cate wrote.

Others have stepped up and pledged to provide more business to Constantino, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this article.

“I will be supporting @stickermule with every sticker purchase I make from now on. Why? Because of your statement of common sense and moderation on political hate,” user Terrence Stuber said.

The X-rated post has been viewed by over 8.3 million users, liked by over 14,000 people, and shared by nearly 5,000 people. With 12,000 replies and counting, Constantino responded to a number of users, appearing to troll the dissenters and welcoming the praise. On Facebook, Sticker Mule did not publish Constantino’s comments about Trump and unity, but nonetheless received many comments on an unrelated post.

Off social media, local Republican Ted Danz Sr., who is running in the state’s 46th Senate District, said in a statement that Constantino’s message “importantly underscores that we must return to viewing our political opponents as human beings with whom we are allowed to have respectful disagreements.”

Danz’s opponent, Albany Democratic Rep. Patricia Fahy, said unification is important, but thought it was “a bit of an exaggeration” for Constantino to say he was afraid to support the 45th president.

“At least it was written in a friendly way, but I think it’s an exaggeration to exaggerate that fear,” Fahy said in a phone call. “I know there can be a stigma (about supporting Trump), but part of that is because some of us are very concerned about the distortion of facts.”

Joseph Mastroianni, a Republican candidate for state Assembly in the 111th District, which includes Amsterdam, said in an interview that Constantino was “bold” to post the message.