United States of America

Walmart to Slash Roughly 1,500 Jobs

Published MAY 22 2025

Story

Above: A Walmart store on Feb. 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Image credit: Kevin Carter/Contributor via Getty Images

The Facts

U.S. retail giant Walmart is to cut approximately 1,500 jobs in the country as part of a restructuring, according to an internal memo. The development was first reported by the Wall Street Journal before being confirmed by other publications.
Wsj
Reuters
"We are reshaping some teams in our Global Tech and Walmart U.S. organizations where we have identified opportunities to remove layers and complexity, speed up decision-making, and help associates innovate rapidly," the memo said. It added some new roles would be opened up in line with its business priorities and growth strategy.
Business Insider
CBS News
While a spokesperson for Walmart said the job cuts were "not related to tariffs," the news came after the company told shareholders in an earnings call last week that it would soon have to raise its prices in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's import levies.
Axios
The Economic Times
Business Insider
"Even at the reduced levels, the higher tariffs will result in higher prices," CEO Doug McMillon said.
Business Insider
Foodbusinessnews
The remarks prompted deep criticism from Trump on social media. "Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain," he said. "Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, 'EAT THE TARIFFS,' and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I'll be watching, and so will your customers!!!"
Truthsocial
According to its website, Walmart is America's largest private employer, with roughly 1.6 million staff in the country.
Reuters
US News & World Report

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Like many other large companies in the U.S., Walmart is making these cuts so that it can flatten its corporate structure with the aim of reducing waste and improving efficiency. This is a sound business decision.

Business Insider

Narrative B

Companies like Walmart are facing a double whammy with Trump's tariffs. Not only do they put a great strain on their prices and supply chains, they cannot publicly talk about them without drawing further backlash from Trump's administration.