By [Avazest], Political Analyst | Published: May 2, 2025 | 6-Minute Read
As President Donald Trump marked 100 days in his second term on April 29, 2025, his administration’s aggressive policy shifts—particularly on immigration—have ignited widespread debate and global protests. May Day demonstrations across the U.S. and beyond underscored growing opposition to Trump’s agenda, with anti-immigrant policies at the forefront. Here’s a look at the milestones, controversies, and public reactions shaping U.S. politics in 2025.
What Defines Trump’s Second Term So Far?
Trump’s second term, which began on January 20, 2025, has been characterized by rapid executive actions aimed at fulfilling campaign promises. Key moves include sweeping immigration crackdowns, new tariffs, and efforts to downsize the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). At a Michigan rally on April 29, Trump hailed his immigration policies as a “signature achievement,” claiming they’ve reduced border crossings to historic lows.
However, these policies have drawn sharp criticism. The administration’s near-total ban on asylum access and increased deportations, including sending some migrants to a prison in El Salvador, have raised concerns about due process and human rights.
May Day Protests: A Global Outcry
On May 1, 2025, tens of thousands rallied in nearly 1,000 U.S. cities and towns as part of the “50501” movement—standing for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.” Organized by a coalition of grassroots and labor groups, these May Day protests targeted Trump’s policies, particularly his immigration crackdowns and perceived attacks on workers’ rights.
- U.S. Demonstrations: In cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, protesters carried signs reading “Hands Off!” and “Protect Migrants, Protect the Planet,” expressing solidarity with immigrants. Philadelphia saw rallies outside federal courthouses, while Denver’s protests focused on labor and immigrant rights.
- Global Reactions: Internationally, May Day protesters in France, Italy, and Japan condemned the “Trumpization” of global politics. In Tokyo, marchers displayed signs rejecting U.S. influence, while Berlin demonstrators targeted Trump alongside figures like Elon Musk.
Organizers, including Jorge Mújica of Arise Chicago, argued that Trump’s first 100 days miscalculated by targeting diverse constituencies, uniting immigrants, workers, and students in resistance.
Anti-Immigrant Policies Under Fire
Trump’s immigration agenda has been a lightning rod. Key changes include:
- Executive Orders: A January 20 executive action restricted asylum access, leading to a drop in border crossings—down to 8,300 in February and 7,200 in March, the lowest since monthly data reporting began.
- Deportations: Over 130,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported, with some, including Venezuelan migrants, sent to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, prompting legal challenges.
- Visa Crackdowns: The administration has targeted international students, particularly pro-Palestine advocates, for deportation, raising free speech concerns.
Public sentiment is divided. A CNN poll found 52% of Americans believe Trump’s deportation policies have gone too far, up from 45% in February, though 94% of Republicans support his approach. On X, some users celebrated the deportations and lower border crossings, while others decried the policies as inhumane.
Economic and Political Context
Beyond immigration, Trump’s first 100 days have faced challenges. The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in Q1 2025, attributed to tariff-related uncertainty, leading to a dip in Trump’s approval rating to 41%, the lowest for a newly elected president since Eisenhower. His tariff policies and DOGE-led federal job cuts have also drawn criticism from protesters and Democrats, who call his term a “debacle.”
Meanwhile, congressional Republicans have largely supported Trump’s unilateral actions, though future pressure tests loom, particularly around budget and immigration policy. Democrats, led by figures like Kamala Harris and Hakeem Jeffries, have vowed to fight back, with Harris blasting Trump’s agenda as a “wholesale abandonment” of American ideals.
What’s Next for U.S. Politics in 2025?
As Trump’s second term progresses, several issues will shape the political landscape:
- Legal Battles: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case on May 15 challenging Trump’s asylum ban, with a decision expected by summer.
- Midterm Elections: With the House GOP majority at risk in 2026, protests and public sentiment could influence voter turnout.
- Global Impact: Trump’s policies, from tariffs to immigration, are reshaping U.S. relations, with international May Day protests signaling broader discontent.
The “50501” movement plans to sustain its momentum, with organizers calling for a country that prioritizes “families over fortunes.” Whether Trump’s agenda will unify or further polarize remains a critical question for U.S. politics in 2025.
FAQ: Trump’s Second Term and May Day Protests
- Why are people protesting Trump’s second term?
Protesters oppose policies like mass deportations, federal job cuts, and rollbacks of labor and diversity protections. - What are Trump’s key immigration changes?
These include a near-total asylum ban, increased deportations, and visa restrictions, leading to lower border crossings but legal challenges. - How widespread were the May Day protests?
Protests occurred in nearly 1,000 U.S. cities and globally, coordinated by the “50501” movement and labor groups.