McDonald’s in the Spotlight, McDonald’s boycott 2025
McDonald boycott 2025: In 2025, McDonald’s is facing serious pressure from two major boycotts — one happening in the United States and another spreading across many countries worldwide. These boycotts are part of a growing movement where people are using their spending power to protest against corporate behavior.
Even though there are no signs of McDonald’s closing down, the company is clearly being affected by these campaigns. Let’s break down what’s happening in simple terms.
1. Economic Blackout Tour: A U.S.-Based Boycott
A group in the U.S. called The People’s Union USA has started a campaign called the “Economic Blackout Tour”, running from June 24 to June 30, 2025. They are asking people to boycott McDonald’s and other big companies during this week.
Why Are They Doing This?
The group says big corporations like McDonald’s:
Avoid paying taxes
Don’t pay fair wages to workers
Are moving away from diversity and inclusion in the workplace
This group wants companies to treat workers better and pay their fair share of taxes. They also want businesses to support equal opportunities for everyone.
What Are People Being Asked to Do?
Don’t eat at McDonald’s from June 24–30
Support small or local businesses instead
Share the message on social media
Even though McDonald’s may lose some business during this week, it is not shutting down. This boycott is a way for people to send a message that they care about fairness and justice.
2. Global Boycott by the BDS Movement
At the same time, McDonald’s is also facing another boycott — this time from the international BDS Movement, which stands for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. This group supports the rights of Palestinians and has been calling for a boycott of McDonald’s since late 2023.
Why Is McDonald’s Being Boycotted by BDS?
The BDS movement says that the McDonald’s franchise in Israel gave free meals to Israeli soldiers during a military operation in Gaza. Many people saw this as the company supporting the conflict, and protests quickly followed.
Even though McDonald’s Corporation says that each local branch is run independently, BDS supporters believe that the main company should take responsibility for what its franchises do.
Where Is the Boycott Strongest?
Middle East
Muslim-majority countries
Some Asian and African nations
This boycott has hurt McDonald’s sales in several countries and damaged its image among many global customers.
3. A Rise in Consumer Power in 2025
These boycotts are part of a larger trend happening in 2025. More and more people are choosing to spend their money with companies that:
Pay fair wages
Protect the environment
Stand up for human rights
Support diversity and equality
Social media has made it easier for activist groups to spread their message, and customers are listening.
4. How Is McDonald’s Responding?
McDonald’s says:
Each of its franchises is independently owned
It doesn’t control the local actions of franchisees
It remains committed to diversity and inclusion
However, critics say this is not enough. Many believe the company must do more to show it supports ethical values and listens to its customers.
5. Will This Hurt McDonald’s Long-Term?
Right now, there is no sign that McDonald’s will close or shut down. But these boycotts could cause:
A drop in sales in some countries
Damage to its public image
Pressure to change some business practices
If McDonald’s wants to keep the trust of its customers, it may need to take stronger action — like clearly supporting fair labor, speaking out on social issues, and making sure all franchises follow ethical guidelines.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Big Brands
The boycotts against McDonald’s in 2025 — both in the U.S. and globally — show how people want companies to act responsibly. Whether it’s about workers’ rights, fairness, or global justice, consumers are speaking up.
For McDonald’s and other large businesses, this is a clear message:
“If you want our money, show us your values.”