Abdelrahman
On Friday, individuals across the United States will engage in a 24-hour economic boycott.
The event, organized by the People’s Union USA—a nonpartisan grassroots organization—has gained momentum on social media, with numerous users amplifying their support through related hashtags. Participants are encouraged to refrain from spending money, with a preference for supporting local small businesses using cash when necessary.
According to the group’s website, “February 28 marks a symbolic beginning of economic resistance, demonstrating to corporations and lawmakers that we hold the power in the economy.” While the date itself may not coincide with a historical event, it signifies the start of a larger movement.
Fueled by frustration over the reduction of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by corporations in response to significant government budget cuts from figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk—particularly Musk’s controversial “department of government efficiency” (Doge)—many consumers are seeking to voice their dissent financially.
Hundreds of respondents across the nation shared their views with The Guardian, revealing their choices to boycott chains such as Target and Walmart, and to forgo services from major platforms like Amazon, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter), despite the inconvenience this may present.
Eric Butcher, a support group leader for the Alpha-1 Foundation—which offers resources for those with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency—expressed that he decided to take part in the boycott because it represents “the only avenue we have to make people aware that their decisions impact us all.”
“Billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are wielding unprecedented influence over the government and congressional members,” stated Butcher, who hails from Bakersfield, California. “While dark money has ever been present in our political system, its visibility is at an all-time high. Ultimately, they only comprehend the impact of financial consequences, which is why we must challenge them on that front.”
Butcher chose to participate in the boycott as it coincided with Rare Disease Day, highlighting his personal experiences with both Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Addison’s disease.
“Cuts to federal healthcare funding—including NIH, CDC, Medicaid, and suggested reductions to social security and Medicare—will have dire consequences. This situation threatens the lives of many, including my friends, and could even endanger my own.”
Lisa Rayner, a small business owner based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, described her decision to join the boycott as effortless. Living on social security disability, she expressed her dismay over what she perceives as destructive actions by Elon Musk and Trump against the U.S. government. Rayner’s participation in the boycott is not her first experience using consumer choices to convey her beliefs.
“I have long engaged in economic boycotts, such as Buy Nothing Day, which I’ve been observing for over 25 years,” Rayner noted. “Although I rely on Amazon for certain items due to my disability, I made a conscious choice last year to stock up on essentials and minimize spending as much as possible.”
Rayner’s 82-year-old mother is also joining the economic boycott, as the two view it as a collective movement that exemplifies the power of solidarity.
“I hope this encourages people to realize they can live without reliance on these large corporations,” she remarked. “Perhaps it offers them a chance to rethink their lives as engaged citizens instead of mere consumers and to understand that, together, we can prevail.”
The economic boycott on Friday coincides with other ongoing protests, such as the We Are Somebody campaign, a labor advocacy initiative that initiated a boycott of Target on February 1 in honor of Black History Month, responding to the brand’s retreat from DEI commitments. Additionally, starting March 5—Ash Wednesday—some Black faith leaders are urging Christians to observe a 40-day boycott of Target.
The Latino Freeze movement—a nonpartisan grassroots initiative advocating for immigrant and Latino communities—also maintains a list of targeted companies, calling for a boycott until these businesses demonstrate genuine concern for minority and immigrant populations in the U.S.
