Thousands Protest on May Day Across US Against Trump Policies

Thousands of workers, students, and activists participated in May Day protests across the United States on May 1, 2026, as part of 'May Day Strong' events. Organizers called for an economic blackout, urging people to skip work, school, and shopping to protest Trump administration policies.

Demonstrations included marches, rallies, and block parties in multiple cities. Protests focused on demands for expanded worker protections, immigration reforms, a pathway to citizenship, increased funding for education and health care, and an end to additional funding for federal immigration agencies.

at MacArthur Park, followed by a march to Grand Park. Participants included janitors, security officers, airport workers, and stadium employees affiliated with SEIU-United Service Workers West.

On the East Coast, events started early in the morning.

In Manhattan, a group of Amazon workers, Teamsters, and local politicians marched from the New York Public Library's main branch to Amazon's corporate offices, demanding the company cut contracts with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. In Washington, D.C., protesters shut down intersections, holding banners reading “Workers over billionaires” and “Healthcare not warfare”.

In North Carolina, at least 15 school districts closed to allow teachers to join a statewide rally for public education funding. In Chicago, the Chicago Teachers Union secured May Day as a day of civic action, leading to school cancellations. School closures also occurred in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In Portland, Oregon, protesters occupied a hotel lobby where DHS officials were reportedly staying. The protests built on earlier actions, including a January effort in Minnesota where tens of thousands skipped school and work to protest federal immigration agents.

The National Education Association, with 3 million members, helped organize the events. In North Carolina, educators rallied in Raleigh for more investment in public schools, an end to corporate tax cuts, and expanded union rights. About 20 public school districts closed due to staff absences.

Organizers described the day as a step toward greater non-cooperation and building toward a general strike. Nurses at University Medical Center New Orleans began a five-day strike for a fair contract. The events marked International Workers’ Day, with themes emphasizing an economy that provides living wages and strong labor protections.

Los Angeles, the march route passed through areas with ties to immigrant communities, starting at MacArthur Park, a hub for day laborers and street vendors. Organizers highlighted recent immigration enforcement in the area. Similar events occurred in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Albuquerque, and other cities.

" — Francisco Moreno, executive director of the Council of Mexican Federations in North America (NY Post, May 1, 2026) The White House stated that President Trump has supported American workers through renegotiated trade deals, manufacturing investments, tax cuts on overtime, and border security.

Not all reactions were positive; a North Carolina state senator said school closures would not benefit students, noting fewer than 20 instructional days remained in the year. The protests drew from a coalition including labor unions, immigrant rights groups, and political organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America.

They followed anti-Trump protests under the 'No Kings' banner.