A recent Harris Poll has shown that over 40% of consumers have changed their spending habits since the election to align with their morals. One in four shoppers has stopped buying from their favorite brands, while a third has no interest in supporting the economy this year. More Democrats than Republicans have made these changes.
According to Timothy Werner, a professor at the University of Texas, Austin’s McCombs School of Business, this shift makes sense given the current political landscape. People are more likely to boycott companies associated with opposing parties. However, some businesses see value in getting involved in politics through donations and lobbying.
“The effects of these things are really very short-lived,” said Werner. “Companies that spend more on lobbying secure more government contracts, pay lower effective tax rates, and benefit from lighter regulation.”
Economic boycotts are becoming increasingly common, with the NAACP urging Black consumers to prioritize businesses that have doubled down on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, some experts warn that opting out of the economy entirely could have significant impacts on GDP.
As a key player in the US economy, consumerism plays a crucial role in shaping America’s gross domestic product. The Harris Poll’s findings highlight the growing divide between consumers’ politics and their spending habits, driving businesses to consider the impact of their involvement in politics on their bottom line.
Source: https://www.marketplace.org/2025/02/19/peoples-politics-are-changing-the-way-they-shop-and-where