The former executive claims that Costco has always valued the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, even before the term "DEI" existed. Costco executives see the company’s culture as a key factor in its success and that, to his ears, DEI is synonymous with the way the company has always done business.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, along with 19 attorneys general in other states, signed a letter to Costco calling the retailer's DEI policies unlawful and discriminatory.