Thousands of protesters have gathered outside the U.S. Capitol and in cities nationwide, rallying against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s controversial policies.
The protests are part of the 50501 movement, which aims to oppose recent government actions perceived as undermining democracy and public services.
Demonstrators are voicing their concerns over Trump’s administration’s efforts to dismantle federal health, education, and human services agencies. Signs reading “No Kings on Presidents Day” and chants like “Stop the coup!” resonate through the crowds as activists express their outrage against what they describe as a shift towards authoritarianism.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of the progressive organization Indivisible, highlighted Musk’s role as a significant vulnerability in Trump’s coalition. “I can’t think of anything that polls worse than the richest individual in the world targeting your Social Security,” he stated.
The protests coincide with Congress being on recess, providing activists an opportunity to deliver their message directly to lawmakers. Organizers have planned demonstrations outside congressional offices and Tesla locations across the country, urging constituents to hold their representatives accountable.
The movement gained traction online, utilizing hashtags to mobilize participants across all 50 states. Sydney Wilson, a local organizer, emphasized the importance of these protests: “We are taking to the streets because we are troubled by the actions of our current president.”
As tensions rise, major progressive organizations such as MoveOn and the Working Families Party are collaborating to amplify their message. They aim to address issues such as job losses in key federal departments and Musk’s controversial influence over government operations through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
With protests expected to continue in the coming days, activists remain determined to challenge what they see as an erosion of democratic values under Trump and Musk’s leadership.
