Phoenix May Day march: Workers, activists rally against Trump policies
May Day protests erupt globally and in Phoenix
Protesters around the world took to the streets for May Day, including right here in Phoenix, rallying against the Trump administration and for the rights of workers internationally. FOX 10's Brian Webb has more.
PHOENIX - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets on Thursday for May Day rallies around the world – including right here in the Valley.
The backstory:
May Day is also known as International Workers' Day, where thousands of workers and activists rally for stronger protections, higher wages, greater equality and more.
This year's focus, organizers say, is fighting back against President Donald Trump's policies, which target immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives.
May Day protest: Hundreds march at AZ Capitol
Hundreds are marching in a protest in downtown Phoenix on May 1, rallying against some of President Donald Trump's policies, including immigration and DEI. FOX 10's Brian Webb reports.
What they're saying:
A few thousand marchers took a 10-block trip in downtown Phoenix on May 1, from the Arizona State Capitol to the Sandra Day O'Connor federal courthouse.
They are angry with Trump and Elon Musk for federal cutbacks, tariffs, immigration and more.
The protesters say they hope the march sends a strong message to the White House that there is plenty of opposition to Trump.
We caught up with one woman who's worried about the world her disabled children live in.
"I want a future of social sustainable future. I want a safe, peaceful, comfortable planet for them to grow, to grow up in, and I want them to be able to feel safe out in the world and have jobs, and have families or not have families, and be able to get health care and not worry about hate crimes and worry about destruction of the environment," she said. "I just want to leave them a future that is worth having."
Many in the group admit they doubt this message will make it to Trump, but they felt like they had to do something, and they hope this becomes a bigger part of bringing the opposition together.
There were signs that read, "Hands off my benefits," "Stop deportations and tariffs," and "Dump Trump."
"I’m shocked at what’s going on. We’re losing our rights and I felt we have a small window in order to stop this," a protester named Gail said.
The sentiment isn't only anti-Trump. It’s anti-Elon Musk and the GOP-led Congress, too.
"You know, the stripping away of DEI. We’ve seen a war on immigrants, a war on black America," Jordan said.
"It’s really just showing that we are against this government that doesn’t support us," Mahi said.
Thousands march in May Day protest at state Capitol
Today is May Day and demonstrators are rallying against President Donald Trump and his policies impacting workers and laborers. The May Day march started at the state Capitol, with waves of people chanting and holding signs while making their way to the federal courthouse. FOX 10's Brian Webb reports.
Everyone also came for their own personal reasons.
For example, a woman who is blind says she's worried about the world her disabled children may have to live in.
"To be able to get healthcare and not worry about hate crimes and worry about the destruction of the environment and I just want to leave them a future that is worth having," Allison said.
Others are worried about more practical things. Like their suddenly smaller retirement accounts.
"A lot of people are losing money from their retirement funds. We are retired. And with the tariffs going on, that’s another thing financially. It’s hurting people as well," Debbie said.
The march ended in front of the federal courthouse with dancing in the streets, and spectators packing a parking garage.
"I have a right to say what I feel and they’re not taking that away from me from me without a fight," Gail said.
A May Day protest is being held in downtown Phoenix on May 1, 2025. Workers and activists are rallying against President Donald Trump's policies. (KSAZ-TV)