McDonald Boycott: Why It’s Happening and What It Means for You

What’s Happening Now?

A nationwide boycott of McDonald’s is underway in the United States, running from June 24 to June 30, 2025. Organized by The People’s Union USA, this week-long protest is part of their broader campaign to challenge corporate practices around tax avoidance, labor issues, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

While McDonald’s locations remain open, the boycott encourages consumers to avoid patronizing the chain during this window. The movement is gaining traction on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, with hashtags such as #BoycottMcDonalds trending nationally.

Why Is McDonald’s Being Boycotted?

The boycott centers around several key criticisms:

• DEI Rollback: In January 2025, McDonald’s announced it would reduce its commitment to DEI initiatives—retiring formal diversity goals, ending supplier diversity requirements, and pausing external DEI benchmarking. The company cited changing legal precedents, such as the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action, as part of its rationale (Reuters).
• Labor and Tax Concerns: Organizers have accused McDonald’s of underpaying workers, lobbying against minimum wage increases, and exploiting tax loopholes—longstanding issues in corporate watchdog reports.
• Public Trust and Activism: Critics claim that the company’s diversity efforts were superficial, fueling backlash from consumers who see the rollback as a betrayal of previous commitments.

When and Where Is the Boycott Happening?

The boycott is taking place across the United States from Monday, June 24 through Sunday, June 30, 2025. It’s part of a larger “Economic Blackout” tour spearheaded by The People’s Union USA, which aims to hold corporations accountable through grassroots pressure and consumer withdrawal.

Although this protest is domestic, McDonald’s has previously faced international boycotts—such as a 2024 sales slump in India related to global political tensions.

How Are Consumers and Groups Reacting?

Online Sentiment

Social media platforms have become a battleground for opinions:

• Supporters of the boycott post call-to-action videos, boycott memes, and alternatives to McDonald’s.
• Critics question its effectiveness or argue for separating politics from business.

Activist Messaging

John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union USA, stated:

“Economic resistance is working. Target, Walmart, and Amazon are all feeling it.”

Such comments reflect a growing trend of consumer-led accountability efforts.

What Is the Impact on McDonald’s So Far?

• Financial Indicators: In Q1 2025, McDonald’s reported a 3.6% decline in U.S. same-store sales—the steepest drop since the COVID-19 lockdown era.
• Brand Perception: Analysts at communications firms like Edelman suggest the brand is under reputational stress, and internal restructuring has renamed its diversity division the “Global Inclusion Team” to downplay DEI optics.
• Potential Spillover: The company’s spin-off, CosMc’s, is also under watch by boycott organizers, though not directly targeted at this time.

What’s Next for McDonald’s and Its Critics?

• Upcoming Boycotts: Other brands such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Walmart are on the schedule for similar actions in coming months, as The People’s Union USA expands its movement.
• Corporate Strategy Shift: Experts suggest companies like McDonald’s may need to reevaluate their stance on social issues, balancing legal risk with public expectations.
• Public Mobilization: If successful, this boycott could inspire broader movements, signaling a future where consumer activism reshapes corporate values.

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