On May 1, 2025, thousands of demonstrators across the United States participated in May Day protests to oppose President Donald Trump's policies on labor rights and immigration. Organized by the 50501 Movement, labor unions, student groups, and grassroots organizations, these events took place in major cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., featuring marches, rallies, work stoppages, and acts of civil disobedience.

The protests were a response to the administration's actions such as mass layoffs of federal employees, aggressive immigration enforcement, and the perceived influence of billionaire advisors like Elon Musk, who, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, implemented substantial federal spending cuts. Demonstrators called for economic justice, including a federal minimum wage of at least $20 per hour, enhanced union protections, paid leave, comprehensive benefits, student debt cancellation, and the establishment of a universal national healthcare system. Social justice demands included advocacy for immigrant rights, opposition to the privatization of public services, and resistance to policies perceived as exacerbating economic inequality.

In Chicago, thousands marched from Union Park to Grant Park, culminating in speeches from local leaders. The week of action included work stoppages and a "day without margaritas and guacamole" on Cinco de Mayo, highlighting the economic contributions of immigrant communities. In New York City, hundreds of lawyers participated in a "National Law Day of Action," defending judicial independence and protesting the administration's non-compliance with court orders. Los Angeles demonstrators targeted billionaire advisors like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for their roles in federal budget cuts and undermining worker protections. In Salt Lake City, protesters drew inspiration from the city's rich history of protest music, notably the legacy of labor organizer and songwriter Joe Hill, whose music still resonates in modern activism. In New Orleans, nurses at the University Medical Center staged a one-day strike, part of a national protest movement coinciding with International Workers’ Day, directed against President Trump's labor policies.

The May Day protests underscored a growing national movement advocating for workers' rights and social justice. The widespread participation highlighted deep-seated concerns about economic inequality, the influence of wealthy individuals in government, and the treatment of immigrant communities. The protests also emphasized the power of grassroots organizing and the potential for collective action to influence public policy.

The 2025 May Day protests are reminiscent of the 2006 demonstrations, where approximately 2 million people rallied in 140 cities against proposed immigration legislation. However, the 2025 protests were notable for their breadth, variety of issues addressed, and the extensive use of grassroots networks to mobilize participants.

The 2025 May Day protests have brought to the forefront critical issues concerning labor rights, immigration policies, and economic justice. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the voices of thousands who marched serve as a potent reminder of the enduring struggle for equity and the power of collective action in shaping the country's future.