Fact Check: Sephora Did Not Fund Trump Campaign, Despite Viral Claims – Essence

Good news for beauty lovers: there’s no need to abandon those Sephora carts just yet.

The beauty giant — a favorite for many of us — has recently found itself under scrutiny following claims that it had donated to President Donald Trump’s campaign. The allegation, which quickly gained momentum across social media, prompted calls for a boycott from consumers who prioritize social and political alignment in their purchasing decisions. 

However, Sephora has since clarified that these rumors are entirely false and insists that it has made no such political contributions. But as we know, this moment highlights the real influence we hold as Black women when it comes to brands we support and how we demand integrity from companies we trust.

Sephora’s response was swift and clear. In a public statement shared with CBS News, the company stated, “Sephora “does not make corporate donations to political candidates.” Reiterating its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core tenets of its brand values, the company also stated, “Sephora’s mission is to create a welcoming beauty shopping experience for all.” For many Black consumers and beauty enthusiasts, this assurance comes as a relief, yet it serves as a reminder of the importance of holding brands accountable for their commitments.

The incident follows a broader trend where consumers, particularly Black women, are increasingly vocal about aligning their dollars with their values. According to data from Nielsen, Black consumer’s spending is expected to grow to $1.98 trillion annually by 2025, with a significant portion directed toward beauty and personal care products. With this kind of economic impact, our community’s collective voice is powerful—brands notice when we speak up, and in cases like this, it pushes them to clarify their stances on issues that matter to us.

In recent times, several other companies have also faced scrutiny over alleged political contributions, particularly concerning donations to Trump’s campaign. Notably, Home Depot and Kohl’s have publicly refuted such claims. Home Depot stated, “The Home Depot (and The Home Depot Foundation) does not give money to presidential campaigns or endorse presidential candidates.” Similarly, a spokesperson for Kohl’s clarified, “Kohl’s does not make monetary contributions to political candidates or campaigns, does not support political organizations, and does not have a company-sponsored Political Action Committee.”

To navigate these complexities and make informed decisions, consumers can utilize resources like OpenSecrets, a comprehensive, non-partisan database that tracks money in politics. OpenSecrets offers an accessible platform to examine political donations from both individuals and corporations, providing clarity on how businesses may be financially involved in political campaigns. 

But this whole situation is bigger than just Sephora. It’s about how we, as Black women, continue to shape the beauty industry with not just our dollars but our voices. We’re the trendsetters, the influence makers, and when we move, the beauty world moves with us. We’re making decisions about where to spend our dollars based on who shows up for us, who listens, and who acts on commitments to equity and inclusion. With Sephora’s confirmation that it has not donated to Trump’s campaign, many of us may feel comfortable continuing to support a brand that offers the range and inclusivity we seek in the beauty aisle.

It’s also a moment to reflect on the power of misinformation and how quickly a single claim can change perceptions. Brands like Sephora are learning that a clear, consistent message about values is critical in maintaining the trust of Black consumers who want to support companies that align with their beliefs.

The bottom line? Our purchasing power is our superpower. And as we continue to lead conversations about representation and accountability in beauty and beyond, we’re showing exactly why brands need to keep their commitments to diversity and inclusion front and center – not just in their marketing, but in their actions too.