Custom merchandise website Sticker Mule has announced $2,500 bonuses for all employees receiving death threats from disgruntled customers and critics after the company threw support behind former President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, the former president was shot at while speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania. After several shots were heard, Trump dropped to the floor of the stage as Secret Service rushed to protect him. More shots were heard before Secret Service helped Trump to his feet. It was later confirmed Trump was hit in the ear by the gunman.
Trump then held his fist in the air as he was escorted offstage by Secret Service.
Later that day, Sticker Mule cofounder Anthony Constantino shared a lengthy post to X declaring the company's unabashed support for Trump and offering a message of unity for those of differing political views.
"Donald Trump was shot. I don’t care what your political views are but the hate for Trump and his supporters has gone too far," Constantino wrote. "People are terrified to admit they support Trump. I’ve been scared myself. Americans shouldn’t live in fear."
Constantino's post continued as the cofounder declared his support for Trump:Many at Sticker Mule do. Many at Sticker Mule also support Biden. The political hate needs to stop. Today a bullet almost killed Donald Trump. He’s got 5 kids. One’s still a teenager. No one should have to die and sacrifice the happiness of their family to run for office. If Donald Trump can risk that, the least the rest of us can do is vocalize our support and help end the hate. The more people realize that kind-hearted, compassionate people support Trump, the sooner the hate will end. I’m speaking up today and will do more in the future to stop this insane political hate.
"Awesome people, all over the world, love Trump," Constantino concluded. "Don’t limit your friendships, and diminish your happiness by indulging in political hate. Vocalize your support. Stop the hate."
Shortly after Constantino's posts, many disgruntled customers and other critics of the former president began emailing death threats to the company.
On Tuesday, Constantino announced all employees on the company's support team had received $2,500 bonuses for fielding death threats.
"I gave $2500 bonuses to all 79 people on our support team because they received death threats," Constantino wrote in another X post. "That must stop, but, on the bright side, we paid out $195,000 in bonuses." I gave $2500 bonuses to all 79 people on our support team because they received death threats. That must stop, but, on the bright side, we paid out $195,000 in bonuses.
If people expressing hate towards us want to feel good about something, they can take credit for helping our… pic.twitter.com/ErBtOcxOIw
— Sticker Mule (@stickermule) July 17, 2024
"If people expressing hate towards us want to feel good about something, they can take credit for helping our support team earn sizable bonuses," he continued. "I hope my message supporting Donald Trump and encouraging respect for all people becomes a learning moment for everyone."
"As much backlash as we received, it’s good for society that people learn that lots of people with BIG HEARTS support President Trump. I want maximum happiness for everyone!" Constantino concluded.
