CHICAGO — On May Day, hundreds of thousands across the globe rallied to voice their dissent against various policies of President Donald Trump, from aggressive tariffs to strict immigration measures. In cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, protesters gathered in large numbers, framing the day’s events as a response to what they perceived as attacks on labor safeguards, diversity initiatives, and the rights of federal employees.
In Chicago, a vibrant crowd marched from a West Side park through downtown to the lakefront. Accompanied by drums and chants of “No justice, no peace!” participants included union members, immigrant advocates, pro-Palestinian activists, and students pushing for better-funded public education. Latrina Barnes, a certified nurse assistant, cited concerns over possible cuts to Medicaid and Medicare as her motivation to join the protest. To express their discontent, some individuals showcased humorous props, including a puppet of Trump and a piñata resembling the president.
Los Angeles saw a similar fervor, with demonstrators peacefully marching while carrying signs that read “Immigrants make America great” and “Migration is beautiful.” The atmosphere felt festive with music and flags, embodying the spirit of solidarity among diverse groups. April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, which advocates for 2 million workers, highlighted the struggle against what she termed the divisive tactics of political elites.
Across the country in Atlanta, hundreds gathered in a downtown park near the state Capitol. This crowd included retired employees of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who voiced concerns over impending job losses due to budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Deblina Datta, a former CDC worker focused on global immunization efforts, emphasized the risks posed by diminishing support for the agency.
New York City also hosted a significant gathering where legal professionals and their supporters assembled near courthouses for a “National Rule of Law Day” protest. Later in the day, a second wave of demonstrators convened for a labor rally, carrying flags emblematic of LGBTQ rights and banners opposing Trump’s immigration policies.
Internationally, protests mirrored those in the U.S., with demonstrators in Europe, Asia, and beyond rallying against Trump’s trade practices and rising far-right sentiment. In France, union leaders criticized the “Trumpization” of global politics, attributing rising tensions and economic instability in Europe to U.S. influence. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a leader of the far-left, lamented the direction of U.S. policies and its potential backlash on European economies.
Protesters in Germany echoed these sentiments, warning against increasing work hours and hostile attitudes toward immigrants. In Spain, hundreds marched with demands for shorter work weeks while expressing anger about a recent mass power outage. Many participants connected the far-right escalation in the U.S. with broader global implications.
In Asia, similar anxieties surfaced regarding the economic repercussions of U.S. tariffs. In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te referred to the tariffs as a reason for his new economic strategy aimed at protecting jobs. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, protests highlighted fears that “Trump’s tariff wars” could jeopardize local industries.
In Turkey, tens of thousands leveraged the May Day protests not only to advocate for labor rights but also to call for the restoration of democratic values. Demonstrators in Istanbul voiced opposition to the imprisonment of the city’s opposition mayor, sparking one of the largest protests in years. The government’s response involved detaining numerous individuals and restricting transit access in central Istanbul.
May Day events showcased a worldwide movement, uniting voices across nations in a profound display of solidarity against economic and political challenges.