S2 INTELLIGENCE REPORT

“WORKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES” LABOR DAY PROTESTS

Date: 250822-0417z
Threat Level: (3) Elevated YELLOW
Subject: Nationwide Labor Day Protests – 50501 Movement

SUMMARY

The 50501 Movement will hold nationwide “Workers Over Billionaires” protests on Labor Day, September 1, 2025, with nearly 600 events planned across all 50 states [0][1][2][19]. The campaign opposes Trump’s presidency, billionaire influence (e.g., Elon Musk), and declining working-class security, emphasizing labor rights and nonviolence [0][1][9]. The scale and potential for counterdemonstrations raise concerns about localized unrest [0][19].

BACKGROUND

Originating in late 2024/early 2025 on Reddit (r/50501), the 50501 Movement is a decentralized coalition resisting Trump’s administration and Project 2025 [4][5][7]. Its prior protests in 2025, drawing millions, have targeted authoritarianism and championed worker rights, setting the stage for the Labor Day actions to amplify labor and populist themes [0][4][6][9][12].

SITUATION

This section provides in-depth details on the “Workers Over Billionaires” Labor Day protests planned for September 1, 2025, by the 50501 Movement and its coalition partners. Drawing from recent announcements, organizational websites, and media coverage, it elaborates on each key aspect, including historical context from prior 50501 actions to inform projections. The protests are framed as a continuation of the movement’s decentralized, grassroots efforts to oppose the Trump administration’s policies, with a focus on labor rights and anti-billionaire sentiment. While the events emphasize nonviolence, their nationwide scale introduces variables for monitoring.

Scope

The protests are set to span all 50 states, potentially involving nearly 600 events based on the movement’s history of rapid scaling—such as the over 1,000 actions during the May Day 2025 protests from Alaska to Florida [1][19]. Organizers aim for broad geographic dispersion, targeting major metropolitan areas, state capitals, bridges, parks, airports, and community hubs to maximize visibility and participation. Key highlighted locations include:

• Major Metro Centers: New York City (e.g., near federal buildings or Trump Tower, echoing past rallies); Washington, DC (e.g., near the White House or National Mall); Chicago (downtown rallies, e.g., Haymarket Memorial at 11 AM); Los Angeles (including Phoenix-adjacent events from prior actions); San Francisco; Portland, OR; and Seattle [0][2][18].
• State-Specific Sites: New Hampshire State House in Concord (with a rally featuring Congressman Ro Khanna from 12-4 PM); MSP Airport in Minnesota; Columbia, SC; Little Rock, AR (under the Broadway Bridge from 10 AM-12 PM); Campbell Ave. Footbridge (9-11 AM); Huntsville, AL (barbecue at Campus 805 from 3-7 PM); Oklahoma State Capitol South Plaza in Oklahoma City (5 PM); Nashua, NH (Library Hill, Soldiers and Sailors Monument); and various bridges for symbolic “bridge rallies” to represent connecting communities, including in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Greenwood, SC [11][13][14][15][16][23].
• Additional Reach: Events are also planned in smaller towns and potentially international locations (e.g., London and Paris for solidarity actions, as seen in prior protests), with interactive maps on sites like MayDayStrong.org allowing users to search for nearby gatherings [1][19]. The decentralized model encourages local volunteers to host actions, potentially leading to 600+ events nationwide, similar to prior protests that covered 1,200 locations including state capitals and federal facilities [1][19]. This dispersion aims to disrupt transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bridges) symbolically while avoiding major blockages, though it could complicate logistics in urban areas [2][13][16].

The scope builds on the 50501 Movement’s track record: starting with 80+ protests in February 2025, escalating to millions by June’s “No Kings” actions, and now integrating Labor Day’s worker-focused theme [0][4][19].

Messaging

The core messaging revolves around “Workers Over Billionaires,” portraying the Trump administration and allies like Elon Musk as enablers of a “billionaire takeover” that undermines democracy, erodes worker protections, and prioritizes corporate interests over public welfare [0][1][8][9]. Key narratives include:

• Anti-Billionaire Critique: Accusations that billionaires are “stealing from working families,” “destroying democracy,” and “building private armies to attack towns and cities.” Protests demand an end to policies favoring “private profits” over public services, such as cuts to federal programs [1][8][9].
• Pro-Worker Demands: Calls for fully funded schools, healthcare and housing for all, protection of Medicaid and Social Security, and investments in people rather than wars. Slogans emphasize “Labor Omnia Vincit” (Labor conquers all), workers’ rights, union representation, and resistance to silencing workers [1][15].
• Broader Social Justice Ties: Opposition to attacks on immigrants, Black, Indigenous, trans, and other marginalized communities; demands for due process in deportations. This links to past themes like “No Kings” (anti-executive overreach) and “Hands Off” (anti-Musk influence) [0][1][9].
• Symbolic Elements: Upside-down U.S. flags, effigies, and banners like “Impeach & Remove” or “Hands Off!” to symbolize distress over perceived authoritarianism and economic instability, with calls like “Tax the rich. Close the gap. Benefits over billionaires” [0][14].

Messaging is amplified through social media reels, videos, and calls to action, framing the protests as a “national day of solidarity” to honor workers’ legacies while confronting current threats [10][14][17].

Organizers

The protests are led by a broad, decentralized coalition, with the 50501 Movement (originating from Reddit in early 2025) as the core facilitator, partnering with labor unions, progressive groups, and student organizations [4][5][7]. Key players include:

• Core Organizers: 50501 Movement (coordinating nationwide via fiftyfifty.one); May Day Strong (hosting event maps and calls); Refuse Fascism; Indivisible (local chapters like Indivisible OKC); Women’s March; and Political Revolution (early partners for maps and lists) [1][2][13].
• Labor Unions: AFL-CIO (organizing separate rallies); American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Massachusetts; Albuquerque Teachers Federation (AFT Local 1420); Chicago Teachers Union; Communications Workers of America (CWA); National Nurses United (NNU); National Union of Healthcare Workers; NEA; Union of Southern Service Workers-SEIU; Bargaining for the Common Good; Working Families Party; AFSCME 3299; UNITE HERE Local 274; and UAW [1][20][22].
• Progressive and Advocacy Groups: 350.org; Americans for Tax Fairness; Black Housing Policy Network; BlueGreen Alliance; Indivisible; People’s Action Institute; Public Citizen; Women’s March (hosting events like in Little Rock); MoveOn; We (the People) Dissent; North Alabama DSA; and others focused on immigrants, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental justice [1][13].
• Student and Community Organizations: Student groups from universities; local chapters like Gate City Voices (Nashua, NH); Kent Street Coalition (NH events); and volunteer-led Reddit communities (e.g., r/50501, r/50501Chicago) [11][18][23].

Roles vary: 50501 provides overarching coordination, unions mobilize workers for strikes or rallies, and advocacy groups handle messaging on specific issues like immigration [1][19].

Mobilization

Mobilization relies on digital tools and grassroots networks, with strategies honed from prior actions that drew millions [4][19]. Tactics include:

• Online Toolkits and Platforms: Interactive event maps on MayDayStrong.org and Mobilize.us for searching/registering; downloadable organizing materials from fiftyfifty.one; and Reddit forums (e.g., r/50501) for volunteer coordination [1][2][9][12].
• Social Media Campaigns: Hashtags like #WorkersOverBillionaires, #50501, #MayDayStrong, #MayDay2025; Instagram reels, Facebook posts, and X announcements for promotion (e.g., calls from @50501movement, @50states50protests); videos urging military members to “remember their oath” and community outreach [10][14][17][20][21].
• Union Endorsements and Coalitions: Endorsements from AFL-CIO and others to rally workers; national calls (e.g., via Zoom) for planning; partnerships with Vote Save America PAC and Women’s March for broader reach [1][9][13].
• Expected Turnout: Hundreds of thousands projected, based on May Day’s “hundreds of thousands” and June’s millions; RSVPs via Mobilize.us show growing sign-ups, with goals to match or exceed prior peaks like 5.2 million for April 5 “Hands Off” [1][19].

Efforts intensified post-August 2 “Rage Against the Regime,” channeling energy into Labor Day [10][17].

Risk

Organizers stress a “mostly peaceful intent,” with guidelines for nonviolent participation, as seen in past events where protests were described as “well-behaved” [0][1]. However, risks of localized unrest persist due to:

• Counter-Protests and Lone Actors: Potential clashes with pro-Trump groups, as in early 2025 actions where conservative commentators accused protesters of “inciting violence” over effigies (e.g., Trump in prison clothes). Isolated incidents include armed motorists near federal sites and minor scuffles, such as near NYC’s Labor Department during “Hands Off” [0][6].
• Opportunistic Violence: Concerns over “opportunistic” disruptions, amplified by adversarial media (e.g., RT, Xinhua) framing unrest negatively; past protests saw chants and symbols drawing criticism, potentially escalating tensions [0][6].
• Other Factors: Transportation blockages from bridge or airport rallies; economic volatility or immigration issues sparking spontaneous actions; and lone actors inspired by online rhetoric [2][16].

While no specific threats for September 1 are reported, the movement’s scale warrants vigilance [0][19].

Law Enforcement

Local police, DHS fusion centers, and potentially the National Guard are preparing advisories and response plans, focusing on urban centers, federal buildings, and contested regions (e.g., border states or politically divided areas) [0][19]. Preparations include:

• Monitoring and Advisories: DHS tracking social media for escalation; alerts for high-risk sites like capitals or immigration facilities, based on past events where protests shut down streets [0][19].
• National Guard Readiness: Possible alerts in select states, as inferred from prior large-scale actions; emphasis on de-escalation to maintain peace [0][19].
• Coordination: Fusion centers collaborating with local PD for real-time monitoring; no widespread crackdowns reported, but concerns over past arrests could influence responses [0][19].

Overall, preparations aim to balance security with First Amendment rights, given the movement’s history of peaceful, large turnout [0][19].

GROUPS / SUPPORT IDENTIFIED

• Core: 50501 Movement, Refuse Fascism, Indivisible, May Day Strong [1][2][13].
• Supporting: AFL-CIO, Working Families Party, Women’s March, 350.org, labor unions, progressive advocacy groups, student organizations [1][13][20][22].
• International: Foreign media monitoring; adversarial state media (e.g., RT, Xinhua) likely to amplify unrest narratives [0][19].

FUTURE TIMELINE OF CONCERN

ASSESSMENT

The “Workers Over Billionaires” protests represent sustained opposition to Trump and billionaire influence, with a broader appeal linking to labor and populist movements [0][1][5]. While turnout may not match June’s “No Kings” (millions), the geographic dispersion across thousands of communities complicates coordination and response [1][19]. Risks include transportation blockages (e.g., bridge rallies), counter-protests, and opportunistic violence [0][2][6]. The decentralized nature and social media amplification (#WorkersOverBillionaires, #50501) increase volatility [9][10][17]. Continued monitoring is warranted, focusing on urban centers, labor hubs, and contested political regions. No major discrepancies in reported information, but scale uncertainty is valid given decentralized growth [19].

MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS

• Increase situational awareness in metro centers (LA, SF, DC, NYC, Chicago) and state-specific sites (e.g., NH State House, MSP Airport) [0][2][11][15].
• Monitor social media for escalation indicators (e.g., #WorkersOverBillionaires, #50501) via DHS fusion centers [0][9][10][19].
• Strengthen security around federal, immigration, and financial infrastructure, anticipating transportation disruptions (e.g., bridge rallies) [0][2][16][19].
• Coordinate public-private partnerships for de-escalation training and rapid incident reporting [0][19].
• Enhance timeliness and specificity by including granular details on event counts and locations beyond major metros [1][19].
• Expand risk assessment with context from past events, quantifying with turnout estimates [0][1][19].
• Incorporate broader stakeholders, including international amplification via social media [0][10][17].

SOURCES

1. [0] Newsweek – Nationwide anti-Trump protests set for Labor Day (Aug 2025): https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-protests-labor-day-2115484
2. [1] May Day Strong – Organizing materials and protest calls: https://maydaystrong.org/
3. [2] 50501 Official Site – Movement background and event coordination: https://www.fiftyfifty.one/
4. [3] Wikipedia – 50501 Movement background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50501_protests
5. [4] InfluenceWatch – Detailed background on 50501 Movement: https://www.influencewatch.org/movement/50501-movement/
6. [5] Axios – Early 50501 protests: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/15/50501-protests-saturday-trump
7. [6] Newsweek – Explainer on the “50 States” anti-Trump protest movement: https://www.newsweek.com/50-states-anti-trump-protest-nationwide-50501-explainer-2026115
8. [7] Her Campus – Overview of 50501 Movement’s name, origins, and purpose: https://www.hercampus.com/culture/what-is-50501-movement-protest-organization-name-origins-explained/
9. [8] Copper Courier – Explainer on protests against Trump, Project 2025, and Elon Musk: https://coppercourier.com/opinion/what-is-the-50501-movement-an-explainer-on-the-protests-against-trump-project-2025-and-elon-musk/
10. [9] Mobilize.us (Vote Save America) – Event page for “Workers Over Billionaires” coinciding with 50501 actions: https://www.mobilize.us/crooked/event/831231/
11. [10] Facebook (50501 Movement) – Post announcing Labor Day nationwide protest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/50501movement/posts/1109731620764166/
12. [11] Reddit (r/50501) – Post on NH Labor Day rally with Congressman Ro Khanna: https://www.reddit.com/r/50501/comments/1mwonkm/workers_over_billionaires_labor_day_rally_with/
13. [12] Mobilize.us – Event listing for Labor Day protest in various locations: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/830108/
14. [13] Women’s March Action – Event for nationwide 50501 protest in Little Rock, AR: https://action.womensmarch.com/events/workers-over-billionaires-labor-day-nationwide-50501-protest
15. [14] Instagram – Reel promoting Labor Day event at Monroe Park: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNntnC0ADoZ/
16. [15] Instagram – Post promoting Labor Day event in Columbia, SC: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNimAkqM5ap/
17. [16] Instagram – Reel promoting Labor Day event at MSP Airport: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM31sjhvXBA/
18. [17] Facebook (50states50protests) – Call for national day of action on Labor Day: https://www.facebook.com/50states50protests/posts/join-the-call-tonight-gear-up-for-our-next-national-day-of-action-to-stop-the-bi/779062411308570/
19. [18] Reddit (r/50501Chicago) – Chicago rally announcement: https://www.reddit.com/r/50501Chicago/comments/1mrye17/chicago_labor_day_rally_91_11am_workers_over/
20. [19] Insider NJ – Press release on nearly 600 Labor Day events across 50 states: https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/workers-over-billionaires-labor-day-events-climb-to-nearly-600-events-across-all-50-states/
21. [20] X (Working Families) – Post confirming union involvement: https://x.com/WorkingFamilies/status/1918035263541936364
22. [21] X (More Perfect US) – Post on Labor Day protest plans: https://x.com/MorePerfectUS/status/1918142103382835636
23. [22] X (AFLCIO) – Post on labor movement ties to protests: https://x.com/AFLCIO/status/1908919569286148570
24. [23] Kent Street Coalition – NH events for “Workers Over Billionaires”: https://kentstreetcoalition.org/2025/08/17/workers-over-billionaires-events-in-new-hampshire-sept-1/