A nationwide economic blackout is underway today as U.S. consumers are urged to boycott all non-essential spending for 24 hours. Organized by The People’s Union USA, the movement aims to demonstrate the power of everyday consumers in shaping the economy.
The boycott calls on participants to avoid shopping both online and in-store, refrain from spending money on gas and fast food, and limit credit or debit card use for non-essential purchases. However, the group encourages supporting small, local businesses and allows purchases of necessities such as food and medicine.
A Movement for Economic Resistance
According to its website, The People’s Union USA describes itself as a grassroots movement focused on challenging corporate and political control over the economy. The group sees today’s boycott as a symbolic first step toward economic resistance and has planned additional 24-hour boycotts in March and April. Targeted actions against major corporations, including Amazon, Nestlé, and Walmart, are also scheduled for the coming months.
The movement has gained traction, raising over $80,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to fund legal fees, web development, outreach, marketing, and event organization.
A Non-Partisan Approach to Systemic Change
While not affiliated with any political party, The People’s Union USA states that it seeks to “transcend political labels” and unite people across ideological divides. On its website, the movement outlines its mission to fight for economic justice, fairness, and systemic change, areas it claims have been neglected by both major parties.
Despite its non-partisan stance, the group has taken clear political positions. It has publicly supported diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, universal free healthcare, affordable basic goods, and term limits for Congress. The movement also advocates for the abolition of federal income taxes for American citizens.
Who is Behind The People’s Union USA?
The group was founded by John Schwarz, a Queens-born musician and meditation teacher, who describes himself as someone who has personally struggled within the system.
“I am not a politician. I am not a corporate-backed activist,” Schwarz states on the group’s website. “I am just a man who has lived through struggle, seen the truth, and decided to do something about it.”
Schwarz began promoting the People’s Union USA and its economic boycott in late January and early February 2025. In a February 5th Instagram post, he declared, “This is no longer just a moment—this is truly a revolution of the people.”
As the 24-hour boycott unfolds, the effectiveness of the movement remains to be seen. However, with additional actions planned in the coming months, The People’s Union USA appears determined to keep its message of economic resistance in the spotlight.