Protesters marched in several US cities on Labour Day, criticising president Donald Trump’s policies. Hundreds of events were organised by labour groups, local activists and opposition Democratic Party officials. In New York, crowds gathered outside Trump Tower, chanting “Trump must go now” and carrying signs denouncing what they called a fascist regime. Trump has not lived in the building for years, but it continues to be a rallying point for demonstrations. Similar protests were held outside Trump Tower in Chicago, where chants included “No National Guard” and “Lock him up.” Large gatherings also took place in Washington DC, San Francisco and other West Coast cities. In Washington, protesters carried signs reading “Stop the ICE invasion” and “Free DC No masked thugs.” Along the West Coast, from San Diego to Seattle, rallies focused on immigrant rights, and low wages.
In Chicago, where Trump has discussed deploying National Guard troops to address street crime, multiple groups joined together to hear speeches. Evanston mayor Daniel Biss told the crowd, “We’re here because our core values and our democracy are under attack. They are threatening to send the military into our streets.” A brief confrontation broke out when a woman shouted support for Trump and the protesters responded with shouts of their own until the woman left a few minutes later. Union members and worker rights groups also marched in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland. The Labour Day demonstrations added to a series of recent protests, including the “May Day” rallies on May 1, the “No Kings” marches in June and last month’s demonstrations against Trump’s plan to redraw congressional districts.
