American consumers were encouraged to participate in a 24-hour , boycotting all financial activities—especially with large retailers—to demonstrate to politicians the economic power of everyday consumers.
The People’s Union USA organized the blackout, describing it as the movement’s inaugural action and “a symbolic start to economic resistance, a day where we show corporations and politicians that we control the economy,” according to the group’s .
Participants were asked to refrain from online and in-store shopping, as well as spending on gas and fast food. They were also advised to avoid using credit or debit cards for non-essential purchases. The People’s Union USA website emphasized that consumers could still purchase “necessary” essentials like food and medicine, while prioritizing support for small, local businesses.
Here’s what you need to know about the movement behind the “economic blackout.”
What is The People’s Union USA?
According to its website, The People’s Union USA is a “people’s movement” formed to demonstrate the collective strength of consumers.
The website’s call to action reads, “If you believe in reclaiming power, escaping economic control, and creating a future where the people ‘not corporations’ determine the direction of this country, join us today.”
The People’s Union USA has planned additional 24-hour boycotts for March and April, and later months, including a boycott focused on Amazon in early March, one targeting Nestlé in late March, and another aimed at Walmart in April.
The movement has reportedly raised over , according to its GoFundMe page. The People’s Union states these funds will be used for “legal fees, organization development, web development, outreach, marketing, event organization, and more.” The website also provides a breakdown of their expenses to date.
The group’s objective is to “unionize the people,” eventually establishing a nonprofit organization and securing legal representation, as well as organizing membership to “establish the infrastructure necessary for a functioning nationwide union or citizens.”
Is The People’s Union USA affiliated with a political party?
The movement states on its website that it is not associated with any political party, aiming instead to “transcend political labels.”
The movement’s Frequently Asked Questions page states, “We are a movement for ALL people, regardless of race, gender, religion, or political affiliation. We fight for fairness, economic justice, and real systemic change, something neither party has prioritized.”
Although not affiliated with any political party, they do share their political stances online.
In response to a question about whether they support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), , the movement affirmed their strong support.
Their position reads, “We stand firmly for equality and freedom for ALL people, regardless of race, gender, background, or identity. The idea that companies and institutions should abandon diversity and inclusivity is regressive and unacceptable.”
Other on the website include advocating for the elimination of federal income taxes for American citizens, making essential goods affordable, establishing term limits for Congress, providing universal free healthcare, and more.
They also state that they are not against any specific individual—including President Donald Trump and the new DOGE Administrator : “This movement is not about one person… Our focus is systemic change, not political drama.”
Who is the founder of The People’s Union USA?
The People’s Union USA was founded by , according to its website. He is a musician and meditation teacher born in Queens.
“I am not a politician. I am not a corporate backed activist,” he states in his bio. “I am just a man who has lived through struggle, seen the truth, and decided to do something about it.”
Schwarz describes his life’s challenges, which led him to realize that “the system wasn’t built for people like ‘him.’”
His bio reads, “It didn’t matter what religion, spiritual belief, or political affiliation someone had. The system is designed to keep all of us trapped.”
When was The People’s Union USA founded?
The People’s Union does not list a founding date on its website, but Schwarz began posting about his idea for the movement and the economic boycott in late January and early February 2025.
Schwarz stated, “The People’s Union is here and our website is live. This is no longer just a moment, this is truly a revolution of the people.”
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