In a bold move against corporate overreach and political manipulation, The People’s Union USA has launched a nationwide spending boycott, including a week-long boycott of Walmart, as well as a 24-hour "economic blackout". This grassroots action, beginning today and lasting through April 14, is part of a growing movement demanding economic justice and accountability from America’s largest corporations.
What Is Happening?
The People’s Union USA is mobilizing Americans across all political affiliations to take part in two key events:
Why the Boycott?
The protest isn’t just about Walmart. It reflects widespread frustration with corporate dominance and government complicity in policies that favor billionaires while ordinary Americans struggle with rising costs, income inequality, and lack of representation.
“We’re not a protest. We’re a movement,” says The People’s Union USA.
“Whether you're liberal, conservative, or independent — corporate greed and political corruption affect all of us.”
This movement builds on earlier calls for action against Amazon and Nestlé, and aligns with a growing list of causes including:
Who Is Behind It?
The People’s Union USA was founded by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher from the Chicago area. He started the movement through social media and crowdfunding. Despite being a new organization, it has gained rapid traction, raising over $95,000 in small donations from thousands of supporters nationwide.
The Union’s goal is to create long-term pressure through consumer action, disrupting the revenue flow of mega-corporations and signaling public disapproval of the status quo.
Economic Fallout: Walmart Feels the Heat
Walmart, one of the world's largest retailers, has already experienced economic tremors. In March 2025, its market capitalization dropped by $22 billion after a report revealed U.S. consumer confidence had plummeted to its lowest point in 12 years.
CEO Doug McMillon admitted in February that Walmart had observed “stressed consumer behavior,” citing a trend of customers prioritizing essential items and cutting back on discretionary spending.
By March 25, Walmart’s share price had fallen 3%, bringing its market valuation to around $680 billion — a sign that consumer pushback is affecting investor confidence.
A Broader Wave of Resistance
While the Walmart boycott is front and center, this movement is part of a broader cultural reckoning. Other groups have organized extended boycotts of corporations that have:
Critics also point to former President Donald Trump’s recent policies aimed at dismantling all federal DEI initiatives, sparking backlash from advocacy groups and progressive organizations.
Legacy of the Term “Blackout”
The phrase “economic blackout” was inspired by the 2020 social media campaign launched by two Black women in the music industry. Under the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused, they called for a pause in industry activity to highlight racism and injustice following the murder of George Floyd. Millions of users participated by posting black squares and stopping content for a day.
The People’s Union USA builds on this legacy by shifting focus from cultural to economic resistance, urging citizens to recognize the power of their spending habits.
What Happens Next?
If successful, the Walmart boycott and April 18 blackout could mark the beginning of more sustained and coordinated economic actions targeting:
The People's Union USA plans to release monthly updates, share economic impact reports, and expand its list of targeted companies based on feedback from members and citizens.
How to Participate
Final Thoughts
Whether symbolic or substantial, the economic blackout and Walmart boycott are signs of a shifting American consciousness. In a time of deep political and economic polarization, this cross-partisan movement aims to unite citizens under a shared cause: reclaiming power from corporate giants and returning it to the people.
