Thousands rally on May Day 2025 celebration in Seattle

Chaotic May Day Chaos in Seattle Shakes Capital Hill

Let me tell ya, bud, Seattle got lit on May Day! Over a thousand folks swarmed Cal Anderson Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, voicing their outrage against the Trump administration and fighting for workers' rights.

The party started around noon, with passionate speeches blasting over the speakers and melodies filling the air from musicians and choirs. The energy was palpable as the march kicked off around 1:30 PM, with protesters strutting their stuff, shouting slogans, and drums banging until they reached the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building at around 4 PM.

Across the states, May Day rallies exploded with people protesting the Trump administration's harsh policies on workers' rights, immigration, and more. Organizers in various cities said their focus this year was on standing up to the administration's attacks against immigrants, federal workers, and diversity programs.

Signs at the Seattle rally posted messages like "Hands off the people," "Due process is overdue," "Workers run the world" and "Impeach Trump." Other signs pointed to workers and organized labor, as well as the administration's policies and actions on immigration, transgender rights, the economy, and democracy.

Nick Brown, Washington Attorney General, attended the rally and said, "Right now, we're seeing so many things be attacked and challenged like the rule of law and ... our democracy."

Protest Parade: Eye-Catching Actions

The protest was packed with eye-popping antics, like Scabby the Rat, a labor dispute staple, a burning papier-mâché globe, a guy in an inflatable chicken suit wielding a "Save the chickens, eat the rich!" sign, and a group of bare-chested women with Palestinian and LGBTQ+ flags painted on their chests.

SEIU union members hoisted a 20-foot puppet of a girl named Luz, symbolizing the struggles of immigrant workers. The union was there to discuss low wages and to support their stance against the deportation of immigrants.

Voices of Concern

Tanya Zolotareva, 73, and her husband Alan Waggoner, 84, said they were out of sorts due to President Donald Trump's overreach of power and had participated in other protests recently.

"I remember how Putin started. I'm really much more concerned and much more scared," said Zolotareva, who grew up in Russia.

Members of the police department's Public Order Engagement Team, also known as "POET," were there to observe the protest. Advocates were especially fired up by Trump's actions against immigrants in his first 100 days in office.

State-Specific Struggles

While the afternoon march focused on national issues, an earlier protest centered on state-specific causes. Students and faculty from Seattle Central College walked out in protest of state budget cuts before joining the rally at Cal Anderson Park. Gov. Bob Ferguson initially called for state employee furloughs one day a month, but the budget plan adopted by the Legislature did not include such a measure.

Protesters pushed back against furloughs, chanting "To hell with the furloughs, they say the ship is sinking," and displayed signs with messages like "Support your faculty," "Furloughs? Layoffs? Hell no!" and "Give us a fair contract now!"

A Day of Union Power

In downtown Seattle, over 200 local lawyers crowded into the King County Superior Court to pledge their allegiance to the rule of law. Other May Day events took place across Washington, with several in the Seattle area.

In solidarity with workers worldwide, Seattle raised the bar for resistance and sent a clear message to the Trump administration that the people won't back down. Union power! Workers of the world unite!

The protest in Seattle's Capitol Hill, led by over a thousand people, targeted the Trump administration, focusing on workers' rights and immigration.
Someone started the rally around noon, with moving speeches, music, and the march commencing at 1:30 PM.
Across the nation, May Day rallies were held to stand up against harsh policies of the Trump administration, including attacks on immigrants, federal workers, and diversity programs.
Nick Brown, Washington Attorney General, attended the rally and voiced his concern about the administration's challenges to the rule of law and democracy.
The protest was filled with eye-catching stunts, including Scabby the Rat, a burning papier-mâché globe, and a group of bare-chested women displaying Palestinian and LGBTQ+ flags.
SEIU union members brought a 20-foot puppet of an immigrant worker named Luz, protesting low wages and immigration deportation policies.
Before joining the rally at Cal Anderson Park, students and faculty from Seattle Central College staged a walkout against state budget cuts and furloughs, with chants like "To hell with the furloughs" and signs supporting faculty and fair contracts.