A growing number of consumers across the United States are rallying behind a new movement: a nationwide boycott of McDonald’s. Set to take place from June 24 to June 30, 2025, the protest is driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the fast-food giant’s pricing, social responsibility, and treatment of workers.

Why Are Consumers Boycotting McDonald’s?

The boycott is being led by The People’s Union USA, a grassroots organization advocating for corporate accountability. The group accuses McDonald’s of:

• Rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts: Despite public commitments, critics claim McDonald’s has quietly weakened its internal DEI programs.
• Price gouging: Many customers have expressed frustration over rising menu prices, which appear to outpace inflation.
• Tax avoidance: Activists allege that McDonald’s leverages legal loopholes to reduce its tax burden while benefiting from public infrastructure and services.
• Union suppression and labor issues: The company is also being called out for allegedly discouraging unionization and supporting political figures seen as hostile to workers’ rights.

John Schwarz, leader of The People’s Union, stated,

“We’re calling for this boycott because McDonald’s consistently prioritizes profit over people. From soaring prices to cutting back on DEI programs, their actions speak louder than their slogans.”

McDonald’s Responds

McDonald’s has rejected claims of unethical pricing practices, stating that individual franchise owners determine menu pricing with a focus on affordability. The company also maintains that DEI remains a central value, though the terminology used internally has evolved.

Will the Boycott Make an Impact?

The protest comes at a time when McDonald’s is already facing challenges:

• Declining foot traffic: In the first quarter of 2025, U.S. customer visits dropped.
• Revenue pressure: Sales figures have dipped, and investor confidence has weakened, with stock prices falling over the past month.
• Quarter-end timing: The boycott coincides with the end of McDonald’s fiscal second quarter, potentially influencing their quarterly results set to be released in late July.

Analysts suggest that even a small drop in weekly traffic could have a measurable effect on quarterly earnings, particularly if the boycott gains widespread traction.

Looking Ahead

The McDonald’s boycott reflects a broader trend of consumer activism, where buyers demand more than just good products—they expect brands to uphold ethical and social standards. Whether this particular movement sparks lasting change remains to be seen, but it clearly signals growing public scrutiny of major corporations.