In-N-Out Burger has long held a special place in the hearts of Californians. But now some fans are backing off from the beloved burger chain after their donation to California's Republican Party.
A public filing on the California Secretary of State's website shows In-N-Out submitted a $25,000 donation to the California GOP on Monday.
The filing was shared on Twitter, prompting some users to call for a boycott.
One user wrote, "looks like my family and I will be boycotting your restaurants from now on. You donate to the GOP, that means you stand with Trump and all his bigotry."
NEW F497
IN-N-OUT BURGERS
$25,000 To California Republican Party Sacramen...https://t.co/FqowBSSaqNpic.twitter.com/RqT4GrDWQ3— CATargetBot (@CATargetBot) August 28, 2018
Reaction on social media has been largely mixed. Some users say the donation won't sway their choice in fast food or are even surprised by the donation.
In-N-Out has supported California's Republican Party in the past. The restaurant chain backed Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 campaign for Governor with a $22,300 donation, according to state donation filings.
But calls behind the boycott may be unfounded as donation filings show the burger chain's support for Democratic-related ventures as well.
Most recently, In-N-Out donated $42,000 to the political action committee "Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy." That PAC was founded by Democratic political consultant David Townsend, according to the Sacramento Bee.
The company issued a statement on Thursday. Here is the full statement:
In 2018, In-N-Out Burger has made equal contributions to both Democratic and Republican Political Action Committees in the State of California. For years, In-N-Out Burger has supported lawmakers who, regardless of political affiliation, promote policies that strengthen California and allow us to continue operating with the values of providing strong pay and great benefits for our Associates.
It is actually far more important to In-N-Out and our Foundations to support our communities by contributing millions of dollars to hundreds of organizations in California to prevent child abuse, human trafficking and substance addiction.
We have been fortunate to do business in this great state for almost 70 years. While it is unfortunate that our contributions to support both political parties in California has caused concern with some groups, we believe that bipartisan support is a fair and consistent approach that best serves the interests of our company and all of our Customers.
