Labor Day Protests Target Trump Donors, Billionaires Amid Shift in Union Tactics
WASHINGTON – Labor Day 2025 saw a surge of protests across the nation, with a notable shift in tactics as unions broadened their focus beyond conventional marches and rallies to include family-friendly festivals and community drives. A central theme of many demonstrations was opposition to billionaires and corporate figures perceived as supporting an “authoritarian agenda,” especially those with ties to former President Donald Trump.
Organized Power In Numbers Executive Director Neidi Dominguez explained the change in approach, stating organizers aimed “to do something that clearly says we’re in a different moment right now and our communities are hurting and we have to be turning out and showing up for each other in this moment more than ever.” While hundreds of traditional marches and rallies were scheduled, events in cities like madison, Wisconsin, and Shoreline, Washington, prioritized community engagement with Labor Fests featuring live music and school supply drives for homeless students.
Protests specifically targeted individuals and companies that donated to Trump’s political action committees, those associated with Elon Musk‘s Department Of Government Efficiency, or those who financially benefited from policies enacted during the Trump governance. some organizers planned demonstrations outside the homes of these targets, according to organizers.
In Fort Myers, Florida, a protest at the corner of Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41 featured an individual waving an upside-down American flag, signaling discontent with the current political climate.
Contributing: Seth Harrison, USA TODAY; Laura Gersony, Arizona Republic; Bella Carpentier, Greenville News; Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press; Michaela Galligan and Margie Cullen, USA TODAY NETWORK; Sheldon Gardner, Kaila Jones and Gianna Montesano, USA TODAY Network Florida; and Angela George, USA TODAY network South Dakota.
