May Day: US Activists to Rally Nationwide Targeting Trump’s Policies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ May Day rallies are set to take place across the globe, with U.S. demonstrations zeroing in on President Trump’s immigration crackdowns, labor rollbacks, and attacks on diversity. Organizers warn that fear among immigrant communities could suppress turnout in some cities. From Chicago to Tokyo, May 1 events will blend historic labor solidarity with modern resistance to authoritarian policies.
May Day Protests: Quick Looks
- May Day Origins: Honors workers killed in 1886 Haymarket affair
- Global Reach: Protests and celebrations in France, Kenya, Russia, China
- U.S. Focus: Labor rights, immigration reform, Trump’s policy backlash
- Trump Impact: Chilling effect feared in sanctuary cities like Chicago
- ACLU Message: Calls for housing, health care, safety for all
- Bernie Sanders: Speaking at major Philadelphia labor rally
- Police Watch: NY, LA, Seattle, D.C. gear up for large crowds
- Expanded Coalitions: Teachers, nurses, and unions joining in
- Cultural Celebrations: Lei Day in Hawaii, May baskets in Maryland
- Organizers’ Warning: “Everybody is under attack right now”
May Day: US Activists to Rally Nationwide Targeting Trump’s Policies
Deep Look
From Paris to Philadelphia, May Day Rallies Mobilize Against Trump Policies and for Workers’ Rights
CHICAGO — May Day, the international day of worker solidarity, returns this year with new urgency as activists around the globe rally not just for labor rights, but against growing authoritarianism, economic inequality, and, in the U.S., President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration and domestic policies.
The events, expected to draw thousands from Tokyo to Los Angeles, will see diverse coalitions of workers, union leaders, students, and civil rights advocates take to the streets. In the U.S., organizers are using the day to condemn Trump’s attacks on immigrants, his dismantling of federal worker protections, and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
“This isn’t just a workers’ movement anymore — it’s about survival,” said Jorge Mujica, a longtime labor leader in Chicago. “Everybody is under attack right now.”
A Tradition of Resistance
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, has its roots in the American labor movement, dating back to the late 19th century when union activists demanded the eight-hour workday. The 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, where a bomb thrown during a labor rally led to police gunfire and the hanging of several immigrant activists, marked a grim turning point that would lead to global recognition of the day.
A monument in Chicago’s Haymarket Square pays tribute to those activists, with the inscription: “Dedicated to all workers of the world.”
U.S. Protests: Fear and Determination
While May Day is a celebration in many countries, U.S. demonstrations are charged with political resistance. In cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, organizers are preparing for large marches, though they acknowledge immigrant participation may be lower due to fear of deportation and surveillance under Trump’s policies.
In Chicago, May Day actions will lead into a five-day campaign through Cinco de Mayo, featuring strikes and economic boycotts. “There’s a lot of fear out there,” said Omar Lopez, a local organizer. “But we’re building new alliances — with teachers, nurses, and unionized workers who understand this fight affects everyone.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of New York emphasized the day’s broader goals: “We’re organizing for a world where every family has housing, health care, fair wages, union protection, and safety — regardless of race, immigration status, or zip code.”
Nationwide Rally Points
In Philadelphia, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will headline a workers’ rally outside City Hall, while similar events will unfold at state capitols in Colorado and Washington. In New York, organizers are bracing for police presence following last year’s student-led pro-Palestinian demonstrations that ended in multiple arrests.
Seattle and Los Angeles are also expected to see high turnout, as protests link traditional labor grievances with opposition to war, anti-immigrant crackdowns, and economic injustice.
The 2006 Legacy and a Fractured Movement
May Day became a pivotal day for immigration activism in the U.S. in 2006, when over a million people rallied against proposed legislation that would have criminalized undocumented immigrants. Since then, participation has fluctuated, as advocacy groups have splintered and focused more on voter registration and legal reform.
But with Trump intensifying immigration enforcement, including mass raids and deportation campaigns, May Day 2025 is poised to become a lightning rod once again.
Celebration and Resistance Worldwide
In contrast to the political heat in the U.S., many countries mark May 1 as a national holiday. In China and Russia, the day ushers in several days of paid vacation. In France, unions are expected to lead marches demanding wage increases and stronger labor protections, while protests in Kenya and other African nations will spotlight youth unemployment and economic reform.
In Annapolis, Maryland, the day brings a more festive twist. Locals will compete in the 70th annual May Day Basket Contest, transforming homes and storefronts into floral displays. In Hawaii, “Lei Day” is observed with hula performances and traditional flower garlands, reflecting aloha spirit rather than political protest.
A Future Shaped by Protest
Activists say May Day 2025 will be a barometer of resistance to Trump’s second-term agenda and a call to organize ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“The energy is coming back,” said Mujica. “People know what’s at stake — and they’re not waiting until November to fight back.”
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