Gen Z’s Boycotts: A Wake-Up Call for Conservatives

America is a nation built on freedom—freedom to speak, freedom to assemble, and yes, freedom to spend your dollars where you see fit. But as Gen Z rises to prominence, wielding their wallets as weapons in the culture wars, it’s time we conservatives take a closer look at how these boycotts are shaping our society and economy.

According to a recent LendingTree survey, 31 percent of Americans have participated in boycotts, and Gen Z leads the charge at 37 percent. This youthful generation doesn’t just boycott casually—they research companies meticulously, with nearly 60 percent investigating businesses’ values and political stances before shopping. They aren’t just consumers; they’re ideological gatekeepers, steering corporate America toward their progressive worldview.

But let’s be candid: not all boycotts are created equal. While progressive groups target companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Home Depot over perceived deficiencies in “diversity hiring” or alleged “tax avoidance,” conservatives increasingly find themselves questioning businesses that abandon core American values in favor of woke virtue signaling. From Bud Light to Disney, companies have learned the hard way that alienating traditional, patriotic Americans comes at a steep price.

The data shows that 44 percent of boycotters objected explicitly to a company’s political donations or affiliations. The message is clear: consumers today expect businesses to pick a side. Neutrality is no longer viable when silence is interpreted as complicity, and every purchase feels like a political endorsement.

According to LendingTree chief analyst Matt Schulz, “There’s no doubt that lots of Americans are aware of the political leanings of many of the businesses they frequent, but the fact that 45 percent of consumers look into a company’s politics before buying from them is pretty shocking.” Schulz warns that companies ignoring the reality of politically motivated consumers do so “at their own peril,” adding, “Your potential customers are listening closely to what your business says, whether you like it or not.”

Schulz is right. Companies can no longer pretend that politics and business exist in separate spheres—Gen Z and politically engaged consumers on both sides are watching closely. But conservatives must not simply react; we must proactively support businesses that align with our values—those that champion American manufacturing, secure borders, fair trade, and education reform.

Indeed, “reverse boycotts”—deliberately supporting businesses targeted by left-wing activists—are becoming increasingly popular among Republicans. LendingTree found that 31 percent of Republicans have engaged in these counter-actions, compared with just 20 percent of Democrats. We understand that if businesses stand firm in the face of woke pressure, conservatives will stand with them.

The rise of Gen Z’s boycott culture serves as a wake-up call for conservatives. It’s not enough to simply criticize leftist boycotts—we must actively rally behind companies bold enough to reject woke dogma. President Trump understands this better than most. Under his America First agenda, we’ve seen a revival of American manufacturing, fairer trade deals, and a commitment to patriotic education. Trump’s vision is clear: businesses that embrace America First values will thrive, while those that succumb to progressive intimidation risk losing the support of millions of patriotic Americans.

This Independence Day, as left-wing activists like John Schwarz call for boycotts targeting President Trump’s administration and the very spirit of American patriotism, conservatives have a duty to respond decisively. Celebrate unapologetically, support local businesses that honor our nation’s heritage, and reject the divisive identity politics of woke activists.

The battle lines have been drawn, and economic choices have become ideological statements. Conservatives must recognize the power of our dollars, voting every day for businesses that uphold the greatness of America. As Gen Z continues to flex its economic muscle, conservatives must ensure our voices are heard clearly—and that our core American values remain central in shaping the nation’s marketplace.