Thousands of individuals gathered near the White House in Washington, participating in nationwide protests against the Trump administration, its policies, and the wealthy individuals backing them. Organizers have labeled this movement as “a war on working people.” Over 1,000 demonstrations and rallies took place in all states and internationally, primarily on May 1 known as May Day or International Workers’ Day. The grassroots 50501 movement, which has influenced other protests this year, collaborated with labor unions, student groups, and other organizations to orchestrate the protests. The largest demonstration commenced in Washington, D.C., with a “May Day Movement USA” rally at the National Mall. Senator Bernie Sanders joined the “Workers over Billionaires” rally organized by Philadelphia’s AFL-CIO chapter, emphasizing the wealth disparity in the country.
The protests focus on opposing President Donald Trump, his billionaire supporters, such as Elon Musk, and their alleged attempts to undermine labor rights, unions, and immigrant voices. The demonstrations coincided with Trump’s 100th day in office and declining approval ratings, following his decisions to reduce federal jobs, impose tariffs leading to a trade war with China, and initiate a controversial deportation program. Despite a lower turnout in Jackson, Mississippi, compared to previous events, the protests continued to draw attention to migrant worker advocacy, with participants like David Wood speaking out against the demonization of immigrant workers.
Elsewhere, in Louisville, Kentucky, over 200 individuals voiced their dissent against the Trump administration during a May Day protest. Participants, including Caroline Grier, expressed their opposition through handmade signs and slogans, emphasizing the need to challenge executive power and stand up for their beliefs.
Similar protests have been ongoing since January, with Grier attending alongside her mother and younger sister. “We’ve been participating in as many as we can,” Grier expressed. “There are numerous rights to advocate for at this moment.” – Keely Doll
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported, spoke in front of the White House, urging the Trump administration to cease playing games with her husband’s life. Sura addressed a crowd of demonstrators, highlighting the 50 days since Abrego Garcia was unjustly sent to a dangerous prison in El Salvador without due process due to an error. “The pain is unimaginable,” she shared. “My children are living in the absence of their father, missing him dearly.” Sura pointed out that the Supreme Court had ordered the administration to secure Abrego Garcia’s release and questioned why there was still delay. “Enough is enough,” she declared as tears streamed down her face, met with chants of “bring him home.”
Protests erupted in a retirement community in Florida during the “May Day: National Day of Action,” with hundreds of participants taking to the streets at The Villages. Political tensions rose in the predominantly Republican area, known for making political waves. A supporter of the president drove by in a golf cart waving a Trump banner, amidst cheers and some dissent from onlookers.
In Arizona, a May Day march drew around 3,000 attendees who paraded from the State Capitol to the Sandra Day O’Connor United States Courthouse. The event, organized by various unions, churches, and community groups, aimed to highlight immigrant and working-class communities’ importance in the country. “Our dignity is non-negotiable, and our contributions must be acknowledged,” emphasized Stephanie Vargas, an Arizona field organizer for Mi Familia en Accion.
Union leaders, including Jaime Contreras from the SEIU 32BJ union representing workers along the East Coast, marched in Washington alongside dozens of members to advocate for immigrant rights. Contreras emphasized the shared goal of seeking a better life for families, similar to the aspirations of past generations.
According to the organization’s website, the group was established in 1921 by a collective of immigrants who worked as janitors. “Immigrants are the backbone of America,” one member stated. They called for an end to the deportation of their communities and loved ones without proper legal procedures or respect for the law.
In Washington, a large crowd of protesters gathered, swelling to thousands by noon. People of various ages took to the streets near the White House, disrupting traffic with chants of “This is what democracy looks like,” a common slogan in the area. Among the protesters was Jodi Sangster, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, who expressed her opposition to the administration’s actions, particularly the erosion of due process in the immigrant court system.
On May Day, demonstrators near the White House included Jennifer Ives, a public school teacher, and Monica Berlin, an account manager. They decried the Trump administration’s treatment of immigrant communities, citing recent incidents like the deportation of U.S. citizen children to Honduras. The nationwide protests provided a sense of empowerment and solidarity to those participating.
Leading up to his second term, Trump garnered significant support from billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. These wealthy individuals made substantial contributions and aligned their businesses with the president’s policies. Trump commended Bezos and Zuckerberg in interviews, praising their support.
Protests against Trump and his administration’s actions took place across the country in early April, with over a thousand demonstrations occurring in all states. The “Hands Off” protests garnered significant participation, with organizers estimating over half a million attendees protesting against Trump’s policies.
A number of people attended the rallies, with protesters expressing various concerns to USA TODAY Network reporters. They voiced opposition to job cuts at the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veteran Affairs, displayed messages in support of transgender rights, criticized the economic impact of tariffs, and protested against President Trump’s deportation policies. The mistaken deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García to a high-security prison in El Salvador further fueled their opposition.
Prior to these protests, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump remains committed to fulfilling his promises of improving efficiency and accountability within the federal government, despite the ongoing demonstrations and legal challenges.
Trump himself held a rally in Michigan on April 29 to commemorate his first 100 days in office. He emphasized his commitment to safeguarding Medicare and Social Security, defended his policies on tariffs, immigration, and other issues, and promised further actions in the future, boasting of his administration’s achievements thus far.
The upcoming May Day 2025 rallies, known as May Day 2025 and May Day Strong, are being organized as a “National Day of Action” supported by a coalition of more than 250 local organizations. Participants will engage in marches, rallies, protests, and other activities to demand protection for Medicare and Social Security, fully funded education and healthcare, and an end to discrimination against various marginalized groups.
In addition to events in the U.S., organizers have planned rallies in cities such as Florence, Paris, and across the United Kingdom to challenge corporate influence and advocate for social justice. The organizers aim to reclaim power from elite interests and initiate a broader movement for change.
May Day has historical roots in spring celebrations and workers’ rights advocacy, dating back to the Middle Ages. Originating as a pagan tradition, the holiday evolved into a day of honoring laborers, marked by parades and protests. The association of May 1 with workers’ rights was solidified in 1886 following a large strike in Chicago for an eight-hour workday, which turned violent and resulted in casualties. Subsequently, International Workers’ Day was established to commemorate this event and promote labor rights worldwide.
Efforts to shift Labor Day to May in the U.S. have not been successful, but the significance of May Day persists in various countries as a day of remembrance and mobilization for social justice.
Here is a revised version of the text: “Live Updates: May Day demonstrations against Trump and Musk spread throughout the US as reported by USA TODAY.”
