How a February 28 Economic Blackout Could Impact Trump and Musk: What You Need to Know

Today marks “Economic Blackout” day. People across America are urged to avoid shopping at major retailers and refrain from online purchases for 24 hours. This protest comes amid a decline in Tesla car sales in Europe, which many attribute to backlash against Elon Musk’s political actions.

The call for this boycott was organized by The People’s Union USA, led by John Schwarz. His goal isn’t solely to target Trump; instead, he wants to push large corporations to reconsider their pricing, especially as everyday costs for groceries, energy, and housing continue to rise.

Schwarz, a 57-year-old father from Queens, New York, is unaligned with any political party. He seeks fairness and has noticed a growing frustration among people facing skyrocketing prices. He expressed this in a video on Instagram, saying, “We can’t keep accepting these outrageous prices while struggling to get by.” His plan includes a 24-hour boycott of retailers like Amazon and Walmart, aiming to create a shift in consumer behavior.

Some celebrities, including Stephen King and Bette Midler, have backed the boycott by sharing it on their social media platforms. However, experts argue that a one-day suspension of shopping will likely have minimal impact since consumer spending accounts for 70% of the U.S. economy. Although Schwarz plans future boycotts, such as a pause on spending at Amazon from March 7 to 14, it’s uncertain if this will spark real change.

The effort has turned into an anti-Trump movement, with people discussing how to use their buying power to challenge the status quo. Many are reconsidering their shopping habits and looking for alternatives that align with their values. Recently, on their podcast, Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver debated whether they could live without services like Amazon, highlighting a growing sentiment to resist convenience in favor of principles.

As for Tesla, Musk’s involvement in politics has created a stir. Recent controversies have made him a polarizing figure. Artists like Sheryl Crow have publicly distanced themselves from Tesla, calling out Musk’s actions and stating their discontent. Tesla’s sales figures illustrate this shift: while European motor sales rose, Tesla’s sales dropped by 45% in the UK and over 50% in the EU. Critics assert that this slump reflects consumers’ principled stand against the brand.

The effectiveness of a boycott often hinges on its focus. Schwarz’s broader call may lack the precision needed for significant impact. Boycotts tend to work best when they target specific issues or companies, leading to sustained pressure over time. Research shows that at least 3.5% of the population must actively participate in such movements to initiate real change.

Boycotts are not a new concept. Historical examples include the early 1800s campaign against slave-produced sugar and the long-standing fight against apartheid in South Africa. These efforts show that for a boycott to succeed, it needs a clear objective and sustained outrage from the public. The momentum can wane, and unless individuals are willing to endure some inconvenience for their cause, the protest may lose steam.

Schwarz faces a challenge. If today’s boycott is just the beginning and maintains focus on specific targets, it could gain traction. The movement must motivate people to make sacrifices by temporarily giving up the conveniences they’ve come to rely on.

The real test will be if this idea evolves from dinner conversations to genuine action. Targeting Tesla could be a more immediate way to rally support since Musk’s wealth has recently fallen by over $100 billion due to declining Tesla shares. While he still holds the title of the world’s richest man, that position is increasingly under threat.