With Independence Day fast approaching, the fallout from Nike's "Fourth of July" Air Max 1 cancelation continues to intensify. After Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey had $1 million in funding pulled from Nike's move to the city of Goodyear, town mayor Georgia Lord responded by assuring that it would honor its commitment to the brand along with waiving $1 million in permits and providing an additional $1 million for job creation. Even Donald Trump Jr. got in on the action, suggesting Nike should adopt a logo with imagery from the Flag of the Soviet Union, and the president's son isn't the only one with an opinion.
Others, including senator Ted Cruz, also shared their thoughts on social media. Cruz was especially vocal, claiming to be a lifelong fan of Nike and asking his followers to point him in the direction of a "not so woke" brand.
But rather than the response he may have been hoping for, Cruz's tweet was met with overwhelming backlash, with many calling out the children detention centers in Texas—the state in which Cruz holds a seat.
Notable shots at Nike also came from Missouri senator Josh Hawley, who suggested the brand should not only apologize for its stance, but bring the shoes back into production in his state.
Hawley was quickly taken to task on a number of issues including his stabce on healthcare.
One of the most humorous attempts to belittle the brand came from congressman Dan Lipinski, who shared a photo of the New Balances he was wearing instead of the Swoosh.
The roast wasn't limited to Lipinski's sneakers, though, as it was open season on the politicians jeans, too.
Nike's "Fourth of July" sneakers were scheduled to go on sale this week, but were canceled after reported intervention from Colin Kaepernick, who felt that the Air Max 1's Betsy Ross flag embroidery is offensive due to its ties to an era of slavery.
