By Marni Rose McFall
Copyright newsweek
The People’s Union USA, a consumer-activist movement, is calling for a boycott of six major brands for the month of October.
Why It Matters
The October boycott marks a continuation of a strategy that The People’s Union USA has been employing since February. The group has said that its campaign is focused on promoting corporate accountability, restoring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and reshaping corporate influence over U.S. economic policies.
What To Know
The People’s Union USA is calling for a boycott of the following companies in October:
Ben & Jerry’s
Newsweek reached out to these companies outside of regular working hours via email for comment.
Rep. Ted Lieu speaks during a protest against ABC’s suspension of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show in Hollywood on September 22, 2025. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and Target are familiar targets for the People’s Union USA.
In response to a request for comment, a Target spokesperson directed Newsweek to an op-ed published by Essence, written by the company’s CEO, Brian Cornell, which outlined Target’s “commitment to inclusion.” It read in part, “This year, we will complete our commitment to invest $2 billion in Black-owned businesses, more than doubling the number of Black-owned brands on our shelves. Through our Accelerator program, we’ve supported more than 500 entrepreneurs, helping them scale and succeed in retail.”
The retail giant has been criticized for discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, along with other equity initiatives earlier in the year, shortly after President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Disney and Ben & Jerry’s, though, are less likely targets for the union. The companies’ inclusion in this list comes after both brands have been at the center of high-profile fallouts in the headlines over the past few weeks.
Disney has faced widespread calls for a boycott from consumers and the entertainment giant’s own stars after the company decided to indefinitely suspend the ABC late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this month, after FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.
Kimmel was ultimately reinstated the following week, as his suspension put him at the center of a political storm over freedom of expression, media independence, and pressure from the Trump administration. His return to late-night television propelled the show to its highest ratings in a decade.
Meanwhile, the co-founder of ice cream icon Ben & Jerry’s, Jerry Greenfield, announced that he was quitting the company he co-founded with Ben Cohen, and accused Unilever, its parent conglomerate, of breaking promises that guaranteed the brand’s independence.
The basis of Greenfield’s decision was a dispute with Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s ability to pursue activist and social justice causes, which are important to the company’s founders.
What People Are Saying
People’s Union USA founder John Schwartz previously told Newsweek: “Our mission is simple: we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax.”
Walmart previously told Newsweek: “As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year…We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day.”
Target CEO Brian Cornell, in an op-ed published by Essence: “Going forward, we remain focused on driving growth and opportunity, supporting small businesses, increasing access to education and building the best team to serve the more than 2,000 communities where Target operates. This includes continuing to donate 5 percent of our profits to a range of organizations and activating our long-standing tradition of local volunteerism. This is the work we’ll continue to do. And we’ll do it, together.”
What Happens Next
The boycott will run for the full month and is part of the “Economic Blackout Tour,” which has been running since early 2025. Several additional actions are planned for the fall and winter months.
