Protests are underway across the United States, with tens of thousands expected to mark Labor Day by rallying against President Donald Trump and his Administration.
Some protesters are using the opportunity to take a stand against Trump’s federal takeover of D.C. and the possible takeover of other U.S. cities.
Others are demonstrating on behalf of workers’ rights. There are 865 “Workers Over Billionaires” events set to take place, covering ground from Washington D.C. to the overseas Pacific territory of Guam.
The organizers, May Day Strong, refer to participants as “working people rising up to stop the billionaire takeover—not just through the ballot box or the courts, but through building a bigger and stronger movement.”
Grassroots movement 50501, which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 day,” is a key partner of the Workers Over Billionaires demonstrations. The group has stated its intention to rally against what it claims are the “anti-democratic and illegal actions [from] the Trump Administration and its plutocratic allies.”
Read More: Anti-Trump Protests Planned Across U.S. for Labor Day: ‘We Have to Stop the Billionaire Takeover’
The White House has defended the presidency in light of the Labor Day protests, with spokesperson Taylor Rogers telling TIME on Monday that “no one has done more for working men and women” than Trump.
Here are some cities where prominent protests are underway:
Washington, D.C.
Washingtonians have joined forces against Trump’s federal takeover of D.C.
Trump has received wide criticism since launching the takeover on Aug. 11 and deploying the National Guard to patrol the city, a move he said was necessary due to the “crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor” in the capital. This depiction of the city has been strongly rejected by D.C. officials, leading to a legal challenge.
On Monday morning, a Freedom Run took place “through the district to protest Trump’s fascist takeover of D.C.,” according to organizers.
Footage from public social media profiles showed dozens of protesters making strides together. One activist could be seen holding a sign that read “freedom not fascism,” as runners warmed up ahead of the run. Other attendees held aloft Washington D.C. flags, with some wearing and displaying “D.C. Freedom Run” T-Shirts made specially for the event.
Chicago
The Chicago Teachers Union was set to rally against the stronghold of billionaires, but pivoted to protesting against the possible federal takeover of the city.
Key officials followed suit, as Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson attended a rally at the Haymarket Memorial in the centre of the city, leading chants of: “No federal troops in the city of Chicago.”
“We’re gonna defend our democracy in the city of Chicago. We’re gonna protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago,” vowed Johnson.
Mayor Johnson signed an Executive Order over the weekend instructing city departments not to collaborate with any deployment of National Guard troops by Trump.
On Monday morning, Trump praised the results of his takeover of the police force in Washington, D.C., referring to the capital as “now a crime-free zone.” He went on to suggest that the same course of action be taken in other cities he deems problematic due to crime. “Wouldn’t it be nice to say that about Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and even the crime-drenched city of Baltimore?” he questioned.
Many Chicagoans disagree with this sentiment.
“I’ve seen L.A., and I’ve seen Washington, D.C., and the pretext is always this phantom undocumented individual. And then after they established the pretext, they set up shop in Black communities, and they violate the constitutional right of Black citizens,” Chicago Teachers Union president Stacy Davis Gates told MSNBC on her fears of a potential federal takeover.
New York City
Protesters, including restaurant workers, have congregated outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York for an afternoon protest.
“The rally will center the question workers are asking New York legislators: Which side are you on? Trump and the National Restaurant Association corporate lobby, or workers fighting for a living wage and an end to the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers?” said the Living Wage For All Coalition in a statement emailed to TIME ahead of the demonstration.
Numerous other Workers Over Billionaires events are taking place across New York on Labor Day, including one in Nassau County, Long Island, and another on 5th Avenue in Manhattan.
Detroit
The SEIU Healthcare Michigan union, which represents over 17,000 healthcare professionals, led protests for workers’ rights in Detroit.
“We’re not just fighting back—we’re building forward. A future where every worker earns a living wage, has a voice on the job, and our communities come before corporate profit,” the union said, sharing photos of protesters marching behind a giant banner.
Boston
Protesters gathered on Park Street in the Charlestown area of Boston, with some carrying signs reading “No King, No Tyranny,” seemingly in reference to the “No Kings” protests which have taken place previously and reportedly featured millions of Americans.
Members from education unions, including the Cambridge Education Association, shared images on Monday of demonstrators walking through the city.
Attendees gathered to listen to speakers, with many holding up signs in support of the Workers Over Billionaires’ ethos.
Various other events are taking place in Greater Boston and its surrounding areas, including in Waltham and Swampscott.
South Carolina
Protesters marched down Main Street and in front of the South Carolina statehouse in Columbia. They could be seen brandishing signs in support of workers and unions.
One sign read: “If you are enjoying Labor Day, thank a union.” Other placards showcased messaging such as “solidarity is strength” and “teachers over billionaires.”
The protests in Columbia were organized with the support of 50501.
Read More: Scenes From Trump’s Military Parade and the ‘No Kings’ Protests Opposing It
Tallahassee
Florida’s state capital saw demonstrators gather outside the Historic Capitol Building from 9 a.m. local time.
“As we celebrate labor today, our workers, we celebrate each and every person who rolls up their sleeves and digs in to make this country great,” Leon Classroom Teachers Association (LCTA) member Shari Gewanter said to the crowd, according to local media.
Demonstrators held up various signs, with one reading “immigrants work harder than Trump” as they lined South Monroe Street in the center of the city.