For more than half a century, McDonald's, representing American culture, has found itself in the midst of political conflict.

On the 24th (local time), media outlets in the United States, including NBC, reported that John Schwartz, a 57-year-old meditation instructor, is leading the People's Union USA, which has declared a boycott of McDonald's for a week starting from today until the 30th.

This civic organization has 450,000 followers on social media. Since February of this year, it has led a campaign of 'economic resistance' against giant corporations such as Amazon and Walmart.

A McDonald's store in eastern Palestine, Ohio, USA. /Courtesy of Yonhap News.

These protests are based on disappointment and anger that brands like McDonald's, which symbolize America, have abandoned the universal values of inclusion.

The People's Union stated on this day that McDonald's is acting inappropriately for its status and presented five reasons for the boycott.

Firstly, it raised the issue of tax justice by stating, 'While McDonald's avoids its tax obligations using tax havens, employees earning minimum wage bear a higher effective tax rate than McDonald's.'

Secondly, it criticized McDonald's as 'the worst gouging corporation that has raised prices significantly while posting record revenue, increasing the burden on ordinary people.' Average menu prices at McDonald's have surged about 40% since 2019.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is providing McDonald's fries to the National Guard at the FBI building in Los Angeles, California, on the 12th. /Courtesy of Yonhap News.

Thirdly, it pointed out that 'it employs anti-union tactics that use the franchise structure as a shield to prevent wage increases and expand welfare.'

Fourth, it claimed that 'it engages in environmental destruction such as deforestation and unsustainable agriculture, while neglecting poor labor conditions.'

Finally, it criticized that 'while shouting for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in front of the camera, it sponsors politicians and legislation that undermine equity and labor rights.'

This means that in pursuing profits, McDonald's undermines the value of fairness shared by American citizens and shows a hypocritical side.

A McDonald's store in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in May 2025. /Courtesy of Yonhap News.

Since its founding in 1955, McDonald's has symbolized the American dream and popular culture. It is now the world's largest fast-food franchise, boasting over 40,000 stores in 119 countries.

In January, McDonald's announced that it would no longer consider the representation of certain demographic groups in hiring and promotion processes. The existing 'diversity team' was renamed 'global inclusion team.' It also announced the cessation of participation in external workplace surveys and the termination of its DEI pledge with suppliers.

Although McDonald's explained that 'core programs will be maintained,' these measures have been viewed by progressives as acts that abandon America's inclusive values.

Schwartz, representative of the People's Union, stated, 'When we unite to hit the corporations, they listen,' and noted, 'We are also planning boycotts against Starbucks, Amazon, and Home Depot after next month's Independence Day.'

Participants in the boycott emphasized, 'While McDonald's pays billions of dollars in taxes to the federal and state governments, the entities receiving services are local communities,' arguing that 'if corporations abandon the value of inclusion, citizens have every right to hold them accountable.'

A person is shopping at a Dollar General store in Chicago, Illinois, USA, last month. /Courtesy of Yonhap News.

According to a recent survey by the polling firm Clyde Ipsos, 53% of Americans answered 'yes' when asked if they would not use products or services of corporations that take opposing positions.

As political beliefs begin to change consumption patterns, brands that were synonymous with 'prosperous and free America,' like Walmart and McDonald's, are struggling with identity establishment.

The progressive side carries out boycotts demanding social responsibility from corporations. The conservative side responds with boycotts if corporations reinforce political correctness (PC).

In a polarized American society, major corporations face boycotts from one side or the other regardless of which side they choose.

Fox News cited experts stating, 'Organized boycotts, like the Target case, clearly hit corporations,' predicting that 'McDonald's will also start seeing a decline in sales starting in the first quarter of this year, suffering additional blows.'

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