In-N-Out Burger donates $25,000 to the Republican Party, sparking uproar and boycotts

Diners snubbing the fast food chain are using the hashtag #boycottinnout on Twitter

In-N-Out (Getty Images)

California’s popular fast food chain In-N-Out Burger has apparently donated tens of thousands of dollars to the state’s Republican Party, according to a state filing.

The public filing, spotted by journalist Gabe Schneider, states the Irvine-based “In-N-Out Burgers” made a contribution of $25,000 (£19,000) to the California Republican Party on 27 August. Notice of the public filing has sparked mixed reaction on social media.

One Facebook user wrote: “Never eating at [In-N-Out] again. Not going to support them support the party of Trump. Was fun while it lasted.”

Another commenter shared their support for the burger chain, charging" “We need to fill every political seat in California with Republicans."

According to public filings, In-N-Out had also made considerable contributions to other groups, notably Political Actions Committee (PAC) Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy. Earlier this year in May, In-N-Out gave the PAC $50,000 (£ 38,000).

The burger chain’s contribution comes ahead of the state’s hotly contested midterm elections in November. California will be a significant player in the Democratic Party’s mission to win back the majority in the House of Representatives. Democrats are vying to flip seven districts currently held by Republicans but where voters had favoured former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016.

California residents have responded to the high stakes of the 2018 elections; the state saw its highest percentage of voter turnout in midterm primary elections in two decades.

After word on the fast food chain’s contribution spread online, a hashtag #boycottinnout had been created on Twitter. Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman called for a boycott using the hashtag on Twitter.

"Let Trump and his cronies support these creeps... perhaps animal style!" he wrote.

Many Twitter users have also since used the hashtag to air out their grievances with the California staple.

One Twitter user shared the hashtag and wrote “I’m OUT!” in response to the announcement.