Trump critics vent their rage with “economic blackouts”

The call to boycott major chains on February 28 and beyond has harnessed US anger over Donald Trump’s radical anti-DEI conservative policies and inflation that looks set to soar with his 25% import tariffs.

Promoted by John Schwarz, 57, a self-styled “mindfulness and meditation facilitator” with no prior experience of social or political lobbying, the economic blackout at the end of February entailed resisting shopping at retail and fast-food chains for 24 hours, both in person and online.

Photo: screenshot from People's Union website

“The system has been designed to exploit us,” Schwarz told his 250,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok.

Photo: screenshot from People's Union website

“On February 28, we are going to remind them who really holds the power. For one day, we turn it off,” he added.

Photo: screenshot from People's Union website

Known as TheOneCalledJai on social media, Schwarz has been stunned by the response he has received for his “call to arms,” telling CNN, “I thought maybe a handful of my followers would do it.”

Schwarz has set up an organization called the People’s Union, which he bills as a nonpartisan, grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance. He stresses that this is not about one particular issue such as DEI but the “system as a whole,” reports NPR.

“February 28 is a symbolic start to economic resistance, a day where we show corporations and politicians that we control the economy,” the website states.

“February 28, 24-hour economic blackout, no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas, not a single unnecessary dollar spent,” Schwarz said in one of his videos that have gone viral on Instagram.

For those needing to buy food or other goods, Schwarz asked that, for one day, it be done at a local retailer rather than a big store.

A call for further week-long boycotts are in the pipeline, including Amazon (March 7-14), Nestlé (March 21-28), and Walmart (April 7-14). Schwarz also hopes for a boycott of all department stores on March 28 and April 18.

Although the movement declares itself to be non-partisan, it is being driven by the outrage building over Donald Trump’s policies.

Celebrities such as author Stephen King, Bette Midler and Mark Ruffalo have encouraged people to participate, along with media outlets such as CBS, The Washington Post and USA Today.

Experts don’t believe the boycott(s) will make much of an impression on the profits of the massive companies it targets, let alone the US economy.

But the February 28 boycott gathered momentum coming at a time when public anger is seeking a vehicle through which to be channeled.

“Remember: There are 340 million people in America, and not all of them will stand with us,” Schwarz said in a video. “But millions will.”

People’s Union states on its site that the boycotts will continue "until corporations are held accountable, billionaires pay their fair share, and the working class finally gets the freedom we deserve."

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