PHOTO: May Day march draws hundreds to protest Trump administration

Justin Doud

May 2, 2025

Hundreds marched down Congress Avenue in a demonstration condemning the Trump administration Thursday. The protest began at the Texas Capitol and concluded at Austin City Hall, where speakers delivered remarks on a broad range of policies and subjects. (Justin Doud)

The protest was organized by a coalition of groups in Austin, including the 50501 Movement, a nationwide grassroots organizing movement. Thursday’s march was the fifth 50501 demonstration in Texas’ capital city. (Justin Doud)

Demonstrators gathered at the south gate of the Texas Capitol before the march began. (Justin Doud)

The crowd included a band that performed throughout the march, featuring trombone, saxophone and tuba players, among others. (Justin Doud)

The band also included drummers and musicians playing more unconventional instruments like cowbells. (Justin Doud)

Demonstrators were guided through downtown by Austin police officers and Department of Public Safety State Troopers who closed portions of Congress Avenue as the crowd advanced to Second Street. (Justin Doud)

From education to immigration, protesters carried signs addressing a broad variety of causes. Among them was one targeting abortion policy held by a woman in a costume inspired by “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood that portrays prominent themes regarding bodily autonomy and women’s rights. (Justin Doud)

Though the signs addressed a range of policies and actions by the administration, a cohesive message of discontent with President Donald Trump’s actions and a belief in corruption within the executive branch were reiterated throughout the demonstration. (Justin Doud)

As the group marched, vendors and bystanders walked out of stores to watch, including two men who recorded the demonstration as it passed by. (Justin Doud)

Protesters also addressed social justice issues affected by federal policies, including LGBTQ+ rights. (Justin Doud)

In a sea of bubbles and flags, demonstrators gathered in front of Austin City Hall at the conclusion of the march. (Justin Doud)

Austin City Council member Mike Siegel was one of the first to address the crowd gathered in front of City Hall. The district seven representative is a civil rights lawyer by trade, and spoke of the threats to civil liberties he believes the Trump administration’s policies could pose. (Justin Doud)

Other speakers included an immigration lawyer, a union organizer and a labor and delivery nurse, each of whom spoke about policies the administration has imposed. (Justin Doud)

May Day demonstrations were held across the country, and the next national day of action for the 50501 Movement is currently scheduled for June 14. (Justin Doud)

About the Contributor

Justin Doud

Justin Doud, Associate News Director, Tower Talks Associate Producer

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