On Saturday, July 26, tens of thousands of people, including large numbers of families, are expected to join Families First protests and rallies against the Trump administration’s policies.
Those policies range from reversals of environmental protections to the newly passed “big beautiful bill,” with its massive cuts to Medicaid, to the White House’s immigration policy, which has led to raids and arrests carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across the country.
Here’s what to know.
What’s happening?
Thousands of parents, grandparents, immigrants, caregivers, children, and religious leaders are planning to gather in peaceful demonstrations in all 50 states, with major events scheduled in Washington, D.C.; Tucson, Arizona; and Chicago.
“At a time when too many families are already struggling to afford what they need, these cuts will take away families’ healthcare coverage, food, and essential care, and some families have already had loved ones disappeared by ICE,” Ai-jen Poo, executive director of Caring Across Generations, told Fast Company. “Our families come first, and we’ll continue showing up for one another.”
What to expect
According to organizers, Families First is a nationwide day of action with family-friendly rallies, youth art-making fairs, teach-ins, canned-food drives, and community events to raise awareness about the need for healthcare, safety, food, education, and climate action to protect children and families in the United States.
Like many of the recent anti-Trump protests, Families First is expected to include people from all walks of life and parts of the country. As previously reported, protestors have included struggling middle-class families with young children; retirees worried about cuts to Social Security and Medicaid; teachers in schools where funding has been pulled and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are under attack; and recently laid-off government workers targeted by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Who’s organizing Families First?
Families First events are being organized by a coalition of more than 75 organizations, led by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, MoveOn, Community Change Action, Caring Across Generations, MomsRising, Planned Parenthood, People’s Action, Family Values @ Work, Families Over Billionaires, and the Service Employees International Union.
A full list of coalition partners and scheduled events is available at the Families First Now website.
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