McDonald’s is facing a growing swell of discontent, fueled by recent public health concerns, shifts in corporate policy, and now, a nationwide boycott. The fast-food giant finds itself at the center of a storm, as activists and lawmakers alike question its practices and priorities.
The latest challenge comes in the form of a boycott initiated by The People’s Union USA, a grassroots advocacy group, which began on June 24th and is slated to continue through Monday, June 30th. The group is calling for “fair taxes, an end to price gouging, real equality, and corporate accountability,” framing the action as a stand against corporate greed and exploitation. This boycott follows a turbulent period for McDonald’s, marked by an E. Coli outbreak and a controversial decision to scale back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
E. Coli Outbreak and Damage Control
Last fall, McDonald’s was embroiled in a public health crisis when an outbreak of E. Coli infections was traced back to fresh, slivered onions used on its Quarter Pounder burgers. According to reports, the outbreak sickened at least 75 people across 13 states, with one death and 22 hospitalizations reported by October 22, 2024. NBC News detailed the severity of the situation, noting the strain of E. Coli involved was one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the U.S.
In response, McDonald’s took steps to mitigate the damage, launching a new Chicken Big Mac and providing over $60 million to franchisees in affected states. The company also invested an additional $35 million in marketing to promote deals, including a $5 value meal, as reported by CNN. The outbreak was declared over on December 3, 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the fallout continues to resonate.
Shifting DEI Policies Spark Criticism
Adding to the controversy, McDonald’s announced in January 2025 that it would scale back some of its DEI initiatives. The decision, as reported by CNN, followed a similar trend among other U.S. Corporations. The company stated it would retire specific diversity goals, pause participation in external diversity surveys, and no longer require DEI pledges from suppliers. McDonald’s also rebranded its diversity team as the Global Inclusion Team.
“Exploitation Dressed as Service”
The People’s Union USA, founded by John Schwarz, argues that McDonald’s is guilty of a range of offenses, including “exploiting tax loopholes,” “price gouging while wages stay low,” and “suppressing workers’ rights and union efforts.” Schwarz, in a statement to Newsweek, asserted that the company reports nearly $9 billion in profits annually while many employees struggle to afford basic necessities. He characterized the boycott as a demand for accountability, stating, “This boycott isn’t about fast food. It’s about accountability.”
Lawmakers Voice Concerns Over Pricing
The criticism extends beyond activist groups. Last October, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bob Casey, and Ron Wyden publicly criticized McDonald’s for substantial menu price increases. In a letter to the company’s leadership, the senators pointed out that McDonald’s operating profit margins reached 52% in the same year—the highest among the ten largest publicly traded fast-food companies—while attributing price hikes to inflationary pressures.
Senator Casey accused McDonald’s of “textbook greedflation,” while Senator Warren stated the company was “squeezing customers to make massive profits,” according to NBC News.
The Impact of the Boycott Remains to Be Seen
Whether the current boycott will significantly impact McDonald’s remains uncertain. The People’s Union USA has previously organized boycotts targeting other major corporations, including Amazon, Nestlé, and Walmart. McDonald’s, in a statement to Newsweek, expressed disappointment with what it called “misleading claims” and reaffirmed its commitment to serving customers and communities. The company also stated to CNN that it continues to generate billions in taxes annually.
The next key date to watch is Monday, June 30th, when the current boycott is scheduled to conclude. The effectiveness of the campaign, and McDonald’s response, will likely shape the ongoing conversation surrounding corporate accountability and consumer activism.
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