Published: September, 2nd, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global Politics & Society Desk – Global World Citizen 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
UNITED STATES – On Labor Day, a massive wave of “Workers Over Billionaires” protests swept across the nation, as over 1,000 demonstrations unfolded in New York, Boston, Chicago, and cities in all 50 states. Organized by the AFL-CIO alongside dozens of partner organizations, the movement is aimed at highlighting the growing inequality between billionaires and workers, and challenging the influence of big money in U.S. politics.
The protests drew workers, union members, activists, and even members of Congress, placing further political pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Highlights
Nationwide Protests: The AFL-CIO coordinated marches and rallies in all 50 states, uniting workers under the slogan “Workers Over Billionaires.”
Partnerships: Groups like May Day Strong—known for past worker-led demonstrations—helped spearhead events.
New York City: Outside Trump Tower, protesters chanted “Trump must go now,” while restaurant workers staged a creative protest by serving free tacos, mocking the president with the phrase “Trump Always Chickens Out.”
Chicago: Demonstrations shifted focus to oppose Trump’s threat to send federal troops to the city, rallying against what many see as a potential federal overreach.
Boston & Beyond: Protests were marked by anti-ICE signs and calls for justice in the workplace, though DHS attempted to frame the movement differently.
DHS Response
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led under Trump’s administration, publicly criticized the protests in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“They protest against the deportation of illegals to foreign countries, yet wave flags of the same foreign countries at these protests. Interesting.”
However, on-the-ground photos and videos show few foreign flags. Instead, the crowds were filled with union banners, pro-worker signs, and anti-ICE messages, directly challenging DHS’s narrative.
Workers vs. Billionaires: The Core Message
The protests signal a rising frustration among American workers who believe that billionaires and corporate elites hold too much power in U.S. politics, particularly under Trump’s leadership.
Workers argue for fair wages, stronger unions, healthcare access, and workplace rights.
Protesters also pushed back against Trump’s immigration and labor policies, calling them harmful to both immigrant and U.S.-born workers.
Many see this as part of a larger national movement against income inequality, corporate lobbying, and billionaire influence in Washington.
GlobalWorldCitizen.com Insight
The “Workers Over Billionaires” protests reflect a growing global trend of workers rising up against economic inequality, corporate power, and political elites.
In the U.S.: These Labor Day protests show that worker solidarity is back at the center of national politics, confronting both Trump’s policies and billionaire influence.
Globally: Similar movements are building in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, where workers are demanding fairer systems in an era of wealth concentration.
The Bigger Question: Will workers be able to sustain this momentum against billionaires, corporations, and governments aligned with them?