The protest group “No Kings” has launched a boycott targeting three major retailers during Thanksgiving weekend, in protest against the administration of President Donald Trump and the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The initiative seeks to financially pressure companies that, according to the group, facilitate government abuses of power. In an email, “No Kings” asked Americans to refrain from spending money between Thanksgiving and Cyber ??Monday (November 27 – December 1). The companies named include Target, Home Depot, and Amazon, considered complicit in controversial policies implemented by the federal administration. Newsweek attempted to contact the aforementioned retailers and ICE for official comment on the initiative, but no immediate responses were received outside of business hours. Meanwhile, the protest reflects a strategy of economic pressure beyond traditional street demonstrations. The “No Kings” movement arose in response to various Trump policies, including mass deportations, restrictions on federal benefits for immigrants, and a crackdown on illegal immigration. The spread of the protests to the financial sector shows a tactical shift, leveraging the influence of consumer spending to drive political change.

Accusations against retailers

The group targeted Target for, according to them, “giving in to attacks on DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). It also accused Home Depot of collaborating with ICE and Amazon of funding corporate tax cuts for the Trump administration. “Target eliminated programs that supported Black employees and LGBTQ+ products in its stores,” the movement stated on its website.

Target suspended its DEI initiatives in January, amid federal policy that sought to limit these programs. Following the rollback, the company experienced a significant drop in its stock price, underperforming competitors such as Walmart and Costco.Amazon, for its part, has been criticized for its dominant market position and the working conditions of its employees and drivers, while its CEO, Jeff Bezos, donated more than one million dollars to the federal government. “No Kings” stated that Home Depot allows ICE agents to detain workers in its stores, creating fear among employees and hindering their search for secure employment. The company has previously stated that it does not participate in immigration raids or receive advance notice of federal operations. The group urged consumers to avoid shopping at these three companies over the weekend and instead support small, independent businesses. The choice of the Thanksgiving period is intended to impact profit margins, given that it is a crucial time for retailers. International reach of the protests: “No Kings” has coordinated demonstrations in 2,700 locations across the United States and in countries such as Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. The protests have combined with movements such as “Vets Say No,” About Face, and May Day Strong, which seek to oppose ICE and policies considered authoritarian or fascist. LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund, emphasized the importance of purchasing power as a tool for nonviolent pressure. “When corporations ally themselves with cruelty and authoritarianism, our purchasing power matters. Economic non-cooperation is a powerful tool for achieving change in the United States,” she asserted. The ultimate impact of these actions remains to be seen, although the strategy reflects a growing use of economic protests and coordinated boycotts as a means of political and social pressure.700 locations across the United States and in countries such as Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. The protests have combined with movements like “Vets Say No,” About Face, and May Day Strong, which seek to oppose ICE and policies considered authoritarian or fascist. LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund, emphasized the importance of purchasing power as a tool for nonviolent pressure. “When corporations ally themselves with cruelty and authoritarianism, our purchasing power matters. Economic non-cooperation is a powerful tool for achieving change in the United States,” she asserted. The final impact of these actions remains to be seen, although the strategy reflects a growing use of economic protests and coordinated boycotts as a means of political and social pressure.700 locations across the United States and in countries such as Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. The protests have combined with movements like “Vets Say No,” About Face, and May Day Strong, which seek to oppose ICE and policies considered authoritarian or fascist. LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund, emphasized the importance of purchasing power as a tool for nonviolent pressure. “When corporations ally themselves with cruelty and authoritarianism, our purchasing power matters. Economic non-cooperation is a powerful tool for achieving change in the United States,” she asserted. The final impact of these actions remains to be seen, although the strategy reflects a growing use of economic protests and coordinated boycotts as a means of political and social pressure.