🍔 The Great McDonald’s Boycott: June 24–30, 2025
A new wave of economic resistance is sweeping America: from June 24 to June 30, 2025, The People’s Union USA has initiated a nationwide “McDonald’s Blackout” as part of its broader Economic Blackout Tour. Protesters are urged to avoid spending at McDonald’s locations for a full week—no burgers, fries, or McNuggets—from midnight on June 24 to 11:59 pm on June 30. Truthfully, this is no problem for me, since the grandson isn’t here.
Why now?
The group's stated grievances include:
Tax avoidance: Criticism over McDonald’s use of offshore tax strategies to lower its U.S. tax obligations.
Lobbying power: Allegations that McDonald’s has lobbied against raising wages—seen by activists as antithetical to working-class interests.
Corporate influence: Framing McDonald’s as emblematic of corporate greed and systemic inequality.
Where it fits in
This is the latest installment in a string of boycotts targeting major corporations—including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and General Mills—organized to push against corporate practices and the rollback of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programs.
What’s different this time
Week-long duration: Unlike earlier 24‑hour boycotts, this one stretches a full week, signaling sustained resistance.
Fast food spotlight: McDonald’s, more than a retailer, is a cultural staple—making the boycott both symbolic and symbolic.
Civil rights echo: Though focused on corporate accountability, the movement resonates with broader concerns over labor rights and equity, building on similar trends in other boycotts.
Reactions so far
Supportive buzz: Social‑media communities (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter) have rallied behind hashtags like #McDonaldsBlackout and #BoycottMcDs, sharing alternatives like homemade meals and local eateries.
Corporate pushback: McDonald’s hasn’t yet responded publicly, but previous targets in this campaign have issued defenses, emphasizing job creation, inclusivity, and community investment.
Economic skepticism: Some analysts caution that one‑week consumer halts may have limited impact—but organizers argue sustained, high‑profile action could shift public discourse.
The stakes
This boycott isn't just about burgers. It’s part of a wider pushback against:
Corporate tax structures
Influence over wage and labor policies
Rollbacks in corporate social responsibility
A political landscape where public accountability is increasingly demanded via consumer choices
Whether it achieves dramatic financial effect or simply amplifies the conversation, the week holds important symbolic weight.
What to Watch
Foot traffic trends at McDonald’s across major cities
Social media volume, particularly around #BoycottMcDs and related memes
Corporate response—will McDonald’s issue a statement or “punishment”?
Momentum carrying forward: Will this inspire other sectors—or fade after July 4?
Final thoughts
Consumer boycotts act as a modern form of protest—no marches, yet a unified signal sent through spending. Can withholding a few dollars from a fast‑food giant catalyze real change? Possibly not on its own—but as part of a broader Economic Blackout wave, it’s about unity, awareness, and a pushback against unchecked corporate influence.
From home cooks skipping the drive-thru to activists plastering hashtags online, June 24–30, boys and girls, is a week to watch—or to eat a homemade vegan meal.
What are your plans during the boycott? Will you join the blackout, switch to local spots, or simply watch how it unfolds?
It’s not difficult to boycott garbage.