Protesters take to the streets in Capitola amid a national economic blackout day

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Consumers nationwide were encouraged to put away their wallets today as part of a social media movement calling for an economic blackout.

In Capitola, some people took to the streets in protest against consumerism.

"We the people have the money and we the people can spend our money the way that we choose," said protester Sara Fiedlander. "[We are] boycotting the companies that are capitulating to Trump's orders."

The grassroots organization, The People's Union USA, is urging Americans to avoid all unnecessary spending for the remainder of the day, especially at major retailers.

Some protesters are also pushing back against what they see as the influence of billionaires and big corporations at the federal level.

While others are protesting companies that have scaled back on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.