Grand Rapids, Mich. — Protesters across West Michigan participated in the National Day of Action Thursday, a nationwide event aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s policies. The demonstrations were part of the larger “May Day” movement, which has historically advocated for workers’ rights, but this year also served as a platform for broader resistance to the Trump administration.
In Muskegon, a large turnout gathered near Mart Dock, where protesters lined the road, holding signs and chanting in unison. The event was one of many taking place across the country, with people voicing their discontent over a range of issues, from social security and Medicare to immigration reform and the government’s approach to efficiency.
One of the prominent voices at the protest was Diane Parm, who shared her concerns with News 8. “America is in crisis,” Parm said, expressing fear about the direction the country was heading under Trump’s leadership. Parm, who has protested against the administration before, spoke passionately about the uncertainty she felt each day, waking up to new executive orders that, in her view, were destabilizing the country. “I fear for my grandchildren’s future, I fear for America’s future, I fear we are going to lose everything we have and it’s going to take decades to get any semblance of it back,” Parm said.
Parm’s sentiments were echoed by other demonstrators who expressed their anxiety over Trump’s policies and their potential long-term impact. Many shared concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the perceived threat to essential social programs like Medicare and Social Security.
Mike Hakenjos, a first-time protester, told News 8 that he felt compelled to take action. “Protests make our voices heard,” he said. “I am very disturbed by what is going on in our country. This is not right, this is not our democracy, and this cannot go unchecked.”
The protest’s reach extended beyond Muskegon, with a similar demonstration taking place in Grand Rapids at Roberto Clemente Park. There, organizer Gema Lowe highlighted the importance of honoring immigrant workers. “As immigrant workers, we carry the load of labor that nobody else does in this country, so we are uplifting our immigrant workers,” Lowe explained, underscoring the day’s focus on worker rights and the contributions of immigrant communities.
For many like Parm, Thursday’s protest was just one of many, a sign of ongoing resistance to the Trump administration’s policies. Parm made it clear that her fight wasn’t over. “I hope it opens people’s eyes so they realize what is going on,” she said. “We have to use our voices; there is more of us than there are of them.”
The National Day of Action, marked by protests from coast to coast, served as a reminder of the strong opposition facing the Trump administration, particularly among those who feel the president’s policies are undermining the country’s democratic values and social safety nets. For those gathered in West Michigan, it was a moment to stand in solidarity with their fellow Americans and make their voices heard in the ongoing struggle for a better future.
