An emerging grassroots campaign group is stepping up its plan for economic “blackouts” and boycotts against American retailers, with a rolling series of direct-action protests planned well into the summer. The group is currently calling on shoppers to boycott Walmart this week.
Future events will focus on hitting the profits being made by Walmart, General Mills, Amazon, Target, and McDonalds.
Walmart told Newsweek, in part, “Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart’s purpose to help people save money and live better.” Newsweek has also contacted the other four companies by email seeking comment.
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Why It Matters
The movement was initiated as a response to corporate rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs—notably at companies like Target—and also in protest against President Trump’s plans to cut the government workforce, NPR reported.
The events are being run by a group called People’s Union USA, and founder John Schwarz has previously told Newsweek that the organization’s “mission” is designed to force “corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax.” Schwarz has also cited a number of other factors behind the movement, including a drive for equality, opposition to rising prices, and an attempt to help smaller local businesses.
The group emphasized broader goals: “economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform.” Founder John Schwarz said the campaign is not about Elon Musk or Trump, but about “the system as a whole.” The group advocates eliminating federal income tax, capping corporate profits, and “promoting equality for all.”
What To Know
People’s Union USA was behind a general “economic blackout” back on February 28, which went viral after it caught the public’s imagination as a way to protest against companies that had dialed back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies to appease U.S. President Donald Trump.
Now, the group is currently calling on shoppers to boycott Walmart and has several further events planned.
What Is a Nationwide Economic Blackout?
A national economic blackout occurs when consumers across the country boycott by refusing to make purchases.
Meanwhile, the People’s Union USA has fixated on refraining from spending at major retailers like Walmart, sending a clear message to retailers that do not prioritize DEI.
“If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message,” the group wrote on its website. “The People’s Union is not just about resisting corruption, it is about exposing it. For decades, corporations, politicians, and industries have worked together to rig the system against the American people.”
Author Stephen King and actress and singer Bette Midler were among those supporting the drive on their social media accounts on Bluesky and Instagram, respectively. Midler urged her 1.4 million fans on Instagram: “Don’t shop! And if you have to, please turn to a local small business!”
Future Boycotts and Dates
Since then, the group’s founder, Schwarz, has been seeking to replicate the event and extend it by targeting specific companies and extending the length of boycotts up to a week in some cases. He encouraged his followers to conduct an Amazon and Nestle boycott for several days last month.
And the group, which is currently calling on shoppers to boycott Walmart this week, has several further events planned, according to the People’s Union USA website:
- April 18: Economic Blackout (the second such event this year)
- April 21 to 28: General Mills Boycott
- May 6 to 12: Amazon Boycott (the second event targeting the online retailer)
- May 20 to 26: Walmart Boycott (the second time targeting the store)
- June 3 to 9: Boycott of Target
- June 24 to 30: McDonald’s Boycott
- July 4: Independence Day Boycott
What People Are Saying
People’s Union USA founder John Schwarz previously told Newsweek: “Our mission is simple, we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax.”
He added: “We’re also calling for real equality, across the board, without question. This boycott is about showing them that we are the economy. We fund their success. And we can shift our money to local businesses or simply choose not to shop at all, anytime we want. If they want our dollars, they need to start respecting the people who keep them in business.”
Walmart shared a statement with Newsweek on Monday, saying: “Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart’s purpose to help people save money and live better. As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year, equal to 8 percent of our profit before tax, supporting local charities and causes such as disaster response, hunger relief, workforce development, and conservation.
“We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day.”
What Happens Next
It is unclear as yet what effect, if any, the boycotts by the People’s Union USA will have on the profit margins of the country’s largest retailers. But Schwarz will be hoping more consumers will join his cause to increase the chances of making a dent in their takings.
In the meantime, retailers will continue preparing their spring and summer lines as they hope the warmer weather will tempt shoppers to open their wallets.