Shoppers Boycott During 2025 Holiday Season Targets Trump-Aligned Companies Amid Political Controversy
During the 2025 holiday season, widespread economic boycotts emerged targeting companies aligned with former President Donald Trump amidst his second term and policies opposing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and immigration. The No Kings–We Ain’t Buying It coalition, comprising over 220 organizations, mobilized millions and secured more than 40,000 pledges for conscious consumerism over Black Friday weekend. The campaign specifically focused on retailers such as Target, Home Depot, and Amazon, prompting continued boycotts. Target acknowledged the impact of these actions, which originated earlier in the year following the rollback of diversity initiatives within the company.
Spotify also faced boycotts due to its advertisements recruiting for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); activists urged users to cancel subscriptions while Spotify maintained its position defending the ads. Disney, after initially deciding to remove Jimmy Kimmel’s show, reversed this decision following vocal backlash from supporters.
Other ongoing protests include a boycott of Tesla linked to Elon Musk’s confrontations with federal agencies, and strikes by Starbucks workers amidst stalled union negotiations. Home Depot was publicly criticized over ICE raids at day-laborer parking lots, although the company asserted it does not coordinate or have prior knowledge of federal enforcement schedules.
Meanwhile, shoppers expressed support for Costco, noting its lawsuit against the Trump administration's tariffs and its backing of immigrant-owned businesses, including by purchasing gift cards during a period of heightened ICE crackdowns.
Organizers of the boycott provide guidance promoting best practices such as shopping small and local, reusing or thrifting goods, supporting immigrant-owned businesses, and generally consuming less throughout the holiday season.
