Is McDonald’s closed today? Here’s the truth behind the boycott buzz

June 24, 2025 – A wave of speculation has been circulating online suggesting that McDonald’s outlets are shut down amid a national boycott. The reality, however, is less dramatic—but significant. Starting June 24 through June 30, The People’s Union USA, a grassroots advocacy group, is urging Americans to boycott McDonald’s as part of their ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour" to protest the chain’s alleged tax avoidance, suppression of worker rights, and lobbying against wage increases 

Despite the social media frenzy, McDonald’s restaurants remain open and operational today. No government decree or corporate edict closing the fast‑food giant has been issued; these are consumer‑driven actions, not official shutdowns. But the push for economic leverage comes amid other pressures. McDonald's has already seen first‑quarter revenue dip 3.5% year-over-year to nearly US $6 billion, with U.S. customer traffic down and global comparable sales declining.

While a short‑term boycott may not cripple a company with 40,000+ stores worldwide, the timing is strategic. It ends just as McDonald’s second quarter closes on June 30, meaning any dip in store visits could influence earnings reported in late July . Investors have already reacted: the stock is down about 10% over the past month, trading at a valuation premium versus its peers .

This campaign echoes earlier boycotts by the same group targeting Target, Walmart, and Amazon — and it follows a longer-running boycott led by the pro‑Palestinian BDS movement since 2023 over McDonald’s perceived alignment with Israel .

McDonald’s has not formally responded to the new boycott call. Analysts suggest that if this marketing pressure persists — especially in a post‑July earnings landscape — it could compound existing challenges like rising beef costs, rising wages, and price‑sensitive consumers .