As Earth Day 2025 approached, thousands of Americans took to the streets across the country to protest President Donald Trump’s aggressive environmental rollbacks and authoritarian policies.
The “All Out on Earth Day” movement brought together climate activists, labor unions, and pro-democracy groups to voice their opposition to Trump’s dismantling of environmental protections and erosion of civil liberties.
Protests were held in major cities like Manhattan, Milwaukee, and Boston, with participants calling for the reinstatement of climate policies and the protection of migrant rights. The demonstrations highlighted the interconnectedness of climate justice and social issues, emphasising that Trump’s embrace of fossil fuels exacerbates climate collapse and fuels forced migration. Organisers stressed that the climate movement must rise against authoritarianism, advocating for consistent mass non-cooperation to fight for a livable world.
The protests also targeted Trump’s collaboration with corporate giants, particularly Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, accusing them of prioritising profits over environmental concerns. Since returning to power, Trump has rolled back federal agencies overseeing clean air, water, and conservation, leading to significant layoffs and funding cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Weather Service, and FEMA. Additionally, regulatory standards for fossil fuels and polluting industries have been slashed, sparking fears that Trump may revoke tax-exempt status for grassroots climate groups and cancel Biden-era clean energy investments.
These Earth Day protests follow a series of nationwide demonstrations, including the “50501” movement, which saw protests in all 50 states. The mobilisations reflect growing public discontent with Trump’s policies, which are seen as threatening both the planet and democratic values.
As the environmental and climate justice movements continue to organise, they are pushing for a future that prioritises people and the planet over corporate profits.