Walmart is setting the record straight after viral TikTok videos falsely claimed that all of its stores would close on November 1 due to possible unrest over a lapse in federal food assistance funding.
The videos, which spread rapidly across TikTok this week, alleged that Walmart would "lock its doors" and only allow customers to shop online because of threats tied to the potential suspension of SNAP benefits.
Some posts went further, claiming police officers were stationed at every Walmart in preparation for possible looting.
"These claims are false, and we will continue to be open for business," a Walmart spokesperson told FOX Business. "The safety and accessibility of our stores remain a top priority."
The false rumors come amid growing anxiety over the ongoing government shutdown, which has stretched into its fifth week and threatens to disrupt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The program provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans and plays a major role in grocery spending nationwide.
One viral video — viewed more than 500,000 times — falsely claimed that Walmart would close all stores on November 1 and move entirely to online sales "to prevent chaos."
Another video, with over a million views, repeated the same claim and alleged Walmart's decision came after "the brokies made a threat to go straight to Walmart when food benefits stop."
TikTok has since removed several of the misleading...
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