‘All in this together': Anti-Trump protests dominate May Day across downtown Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Protests against President Donald Trump and his policies largely dominated May Day rallies in downtown Portland on Thursday, which drew large crowds that remained peaceful throughout the day.
Portland Police Bureau said they were . By Thursday evening, PPB confirmed to KOIN 6 News the protests remained peaceful and there were no arrests.
Close to a thousand people showed up across the Rose City to make their voices heard, filling the streets with chanting and music for the several planned protests.
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'This is a good reason for people to come together,' said Jean Drake, who was in attendance at one of the rallies.
The first gathering happened at Pioneer Courthouse Square, organized by a local volunteer group called 'Indivisible.' The group has been against the Trump Administration from the start.
'I've been to a couple of events. And even though people say, 'Well, what are you going to do, you can't change things?' I think it's inspiring to have other people around that also see the problems,' Drake said.
'It's been 100 days, we can't handle four years of this,' added Rita King, another person attending the Pioneer Courthouse Square rally.
A second rally was held at Terry Schrunk Plaza, hosted by the Portland Association of Teachers. Dozens were in attendance, including local leaders and lawmakers.
Jorge Sanchez Bautista is a senior at McDaniel High School and a candidate for the Portland Public Schools Board.
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'I'm just trying to graduate high school,' Bautista said with a laugh.
He said people of all backgrounds — including adults, the elderly and young people alike — are experiencing a 'hard time.'
'Doing everything as a united coalition, we're all in this together, and we're really taking steps forward,' Bautista said.
Many people at the various rallies mentioned the common theme of making their voices heard amid a presidential administration they don't agree with.
Though there were no arrests, Portland police said one person had to be taken away by ambulance due to dehydration since it was a sweltering sunny day.
In recent months, Portland has seen several protests in support of the 50501 Movement — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement — opposing the Trump Administration.
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The movement brought thousands of people to the streets in February, March and April. Protesters have gathered in Portland, and Vancouver to march against what they say are anti-democratic and illegal actions in the White House.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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