Office Depot Employee Refuses Charlie Kirk Vigil Poster Print: Freedom Under Attack
The recent refusal by an Office Depot employee in Portage, Michigan, to print a vigil poster honoring the late conservative giant Charlie Kirk has lit a firestorm across the country, underscoring the fierce, ongoing debate over political speech in America. For thousands who admire Kirk’s legacy, this incident is more than a store dispute—it’s a symbol of ongoing conservative struggles to uphold free speech and dignity in an increasingly antagonistic culture. Michigan has become the stage, but the real story echoes nationwide.
What set off the outrage? On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk—the courageous founder of Turning Point USA—was tragically assassinated in what Utah Governor Spencer Cox described as a “political assassination.” Since the moment of Kirk’s untimely death, outpourings of support and candlelight vigils have popped up everywhere, including a major gathering in Kalamazoo County where Kirk’s memory was to be honored with a large commemorative poster. The Kalamazoo County Republican Party prepaid $56.17 for the order at Office Depot in Portage, only to be told by an employee who identified herself as “Beryl” that the poster was “propaganda,” refusing to complete the order.
This brazen denial, captured on video and shared widely by Republican attorney Matthew DePerno on X, quickly went viral. Public outcry surged, especially among conservatives who saw this as a direct attack on the right to honor a fallen American patriot. The situation escalated as customers and supporters of Charlie Kirk called for a boycott of Office Depot nationwide, seeing it as a signal to corporate America that suppressing conservative expression won’t be tolerated.
“Disgusted and disappointed at the local Portage, MI Office Depot that refused to print a picture of Charlie Kirk, for a prayer vigil tonight. I’m asking every American that sees this to boycott Office Depot.” — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg), X
The initial refusal, which left the local Republican Party scrambling, was met by an act of kindness from a nearby FedEx location. FedEx staff chose to print the poster free of charge, honoring Kirk’s memory and making a powerful statement about respect for political diversity.
As calls for accountability intensified, Office Depot leadership issued a statement labeling the incident “completely unacceptable and insensitive,” announcing both the termination of the employee involved and an internal review to prevent further episodes. Company spokespeople reaffirmed their commitment to neutrality—yet, for many Trump supporters, the event had already highlighted the threats facing conservative voices in 2025 America.
Conservative Leaders Slam ‘Propaganda’ Accusation; Employee Fired, Company Apologizes
Once the story broke, leaders at every level of the conservative movement responded with unwavering force. Michigan lawmakers were swift and clear. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) lambasted the situation, while Congressman Bill Huizenga (R) didn’t mince words, calling the store’s action “absolutely shameful.”
It’s no surprise the story resonated so widely, given the political violence that surrounded Kirk’s passing. The suspect in Kirk’s assassination, Tyler Robinson, was arrested less than 36 hours later and now faces murder charges. As the backlash over Office Depot’s behavior grew, its top brass reacted quickly. The offending employee was terminated after an internal review, and the company announced more training for store staff on upholding its own stated commitment to serving the community regardless of customers’ political views. A public apology was issued, acknowledging both the loss of Kirk and the company’s duty to all Americans.
“Michigan lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and Congressman Bill Huizenga, publicly condemned Office Depot’s refusal to print the vigil poster. Huizenga called the incident ‘absolutely shameful,’ and Nesbitt confirmed that the employee involved was fired following an internal investigation.”
This fiasco rekindled memories of earlier incidents where private businesses sought to pick and choose their customers based on political alignment. The latest controversy raised renewed fears about growing intolerance, especially when conservative Americans are mourning one of their own. Whether in the workplace or the public square, it’s increasingly clear that equal treatment is not always a given for Republicans and Trump supporters.
Within days, hashtags like #BoycottOfficeDepot and #PrintForAll began trending, as both prominent figures and everyday conservatives voiced solidarity with the Michigan Republican Party. The resolve to protect freedom of expression—so fundamental to Trump’s America—came through with particular clarity. Kirk’s tragic assassination had already shocked a nation; this retail-level injustice added fuel to the fire, inspiring countless Americans to redouble their efforts on the frontlines of the culture war.
Corporate statements can only go so far. The message for big businesses is clearer than ever: respect for your customers’ beliefs isn’t optional in this country. After years of activism and example, President Trump’s America demands equality—not just in law, but in how ordinary Americans are treated by institutions big and small. Actions, not words, are what matter.
The Bigger Picture: Free Speech, Corporate Policy, and the Ongoing Battle for Conservative Expression
Freedom of speech is more than just a slogan—it’s at the very heart of what makes America great. But in today’s climate, even honoring the legacy of a slain conservative leader like Charlie Kirk can be treated as “propaganda” by those who wish to silence alternative viewpoints. Incidents like the Portage Office Depot refusal do more than spark anger; they spark important conversations about the state of free expression in modern America.
Since Kirk’s assassination, the national backlash against attempts to muzzle conservative voices has reached a fever pitch, resulting in terminations and suspensions across not just retail, but media and education sectors, according to the Associated Press. The need for clear, consistent policies to safeguard political diversity is more evident than ever. Americans understand that upholding the rights of every citizen—no matter their political stripe—is essential to the nation’s future. When private companies allow personal beliefs to override their service commitments, public trust is put at risk.
“The incident involving Office Depot has sparked broader discussions about the boundaries of political expression within private companies and the challenges when employees’ personal beliefs conflict with their professional responsibilities.”
Looking back, many Trump supporters remember similar past controversies—from cake shops to pharmacies—where ideological disagreements became flashpoints in the battle over free enterprise and constitutional rights. Yet, the stakes in 2025 feel even higher. With President Trump securing a second term, expectations around cultural respect, legal parity, and unbridled patriotism have never been greater.
These debates are about more than mere store policies. The lessons learned from Portage are shaping conservative activism nationwide, emphasizing the need for vigilance not just in politics, but in every sphere where freedom could be trampled. Organizations, large and small, would do well to take note. Conservative Americans demand not just apology, but a fundamental change in how corporate America does business—with integrity, with fairness, and with a commitment to serving all. As the debate carries on, the vigilance remains, ensuring that the heart of America beats stronger for freedom with each trial.
Through adversity, Americans are reminded: the fight for liberty is never finished. By responding firmly to slights against their heroes, by supporting businesses who respect free speech, and by holding accountable those who don’t, conservatives honor the spirit of Charlie Kirk—never backing down, no matter what challenges arise.