Nationwide Protests on Presidents Day Target Trump and Musk Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of protesters across the U.S. rallied on Presidents Day to express opposition to President Donald Trump‘s administration and billionaire Elon Musk‘s influence on federal policies. Organized by the 50501 Movement — which stands for ’50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement’ — the demonstrations aimed to spotlight what activists call ‘anti-democratic and illegal actions’ by the Trump reign.

The protests took place in major cities including Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, as citizens gathered at state capitol buildings and public parks to voice concerns over executive orders, mass firings, and attacks on civil rights. This marks the 50501 Movement’s second significant campaign following their initial event on February 5, which drew thousands nationwide.

During the D.C. rally at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, demonstrators chanted, ‘Where is Congress?’ demanding that lawmakers hold the administration accountable. ‘To oppose tyranny is to stand behind democracy,’ a 50501 leader known as Potus Black urged the crowd. ‘We will not break. We are the American people.’

Many participants spoke about their anxieties regarding the implications of Trump’s policies on federal employment, healthcare, and civil liberties. Suzanne, a Maryland resident wishing to remain anonymous for fear of backlash, attended the rally to support her husband facing potential layoffs in the federal workforce. ‘It’s put us in a pretty tenuous financial situation,’ she remarked, emphasizing the solidarity formed among worried colleagues.

Anita Gilmore, also from Maryland, expressed similar fears for her son’s healthcare coverage, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the political discourse. ‘My son is on Medicaid because he has a life-threatening disease. If I wasn’t there to take care of him, he would be one of these homeless guys on the street,’ she said.

Amid the cold weather, the protests attracted citizens from diverse backgrounds pledging their allegiance to democratic principles. Katie Temple, a protester holding a sign that read ‘Was the price of your eggs worth our Democracy?’ criticized Congress for not taking a firmer stance against executive overreach. ‘I feel like… Democrats are not standing up. We need them to act,’ she urged.

While the 50501 Movement is not formally affiliated with any political party, its grassroots nature and volunteer base are built on various social justice issues, echoing sentiments from movements including Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights.

In states like California, Colorado, and Massachusetts, hundreds braved harsh weather conditions to join the demonstrations. The Sacramento Police estimated up to 1,500 attendees in their city, while protests in New York City saw thousands marching from Union Square to Washington Square Park, waving flags and shouting slogans against perceived overreach.

‘I have faith because of these demonstrations,’ said Dominic Santiago, a Brooklyn artist who joined the New York protest. ‘I have faith that we can change things.’

As the protests unfolded, conversations across social media platforms shed light on the broad discontent with the current administration and the moves it has taken to reshape federal governance.

Following the widespread rallies, Potus Black confirmed plans for continued demonstrations in order to amplify the voices of concerned citizens. ‘We know that this one protest is not going to be enough to make the changes that we expect,’ he said. ‘We will be continuing to let the American people’s voice be heard.’