Janice R. Andrews
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the United States on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, billionaire Elon Musk’s role in the administration, and the controversial hard-right initiative known as Project 2025. The protests, organized under the hashtags #50501 and #BuildTheResistance, spanned all 50 states, with activists denouncing Trump’s immigration crackdown, rollback of transgender rights, and proposals targeting Palestinians in Gaza.
The #50501 movement—symbolizing 50 protests in 50 states in one day—saw crowds gather in major cities like Philadelphia, Austin, and Denver, as well as state capitols in California, Michigan, Texas, and beyond. Protesters carried signs condemning Trump, Musk, and Project 2025, a far-right blueprint for reshaping American government and society. The demonstrations highlighted growing concerns over the administration’s early actions and the influence of tech mogul Musk, who heads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In Columbus, Ohio, Margaret Wilmeth expressed her dismay at the recent shifts in democracy. “I’m appalled by democracy’s changes in the last, well, specifically two weeks—but it started a long time ago,” she said. “So I’m just trying to put a presence into resistance.”
Musk and DOGE Under Fire
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration has drawn significant criticism. Protesters in Lansing, Michigan, braved freezing temperatures to voice their concerns. Catie Miglietti, a demonstrator from Ann Arbor, painted a sign depicting Musk as a puppeteer controlling Trump, referencing Musk’s controversial straight-arm gesture during a January speech that some likened to a Nazi salute. “If we don’t stop it and get Congress to do something, it’s an attack on democracy,” Miglietti warned.
In Jefferson City, Missouri, protesters questioned Musk’s access to sensitive government data. One sign read, “DOGE is not legit. Why does Elon have your Social Security info???” Members of Congress have raised alarms about potential security risks and missed payments for programs like Social Security and Medicare due to DOGE’s involvement in the government payment system. A Treasury Department official has clarified that Musk’s role grants him only “read-only access.”
Trump’s Executive Orders Spark Outrage
Since taking office, Trump has signed a series of executive orders targeting immigration, climate change, and LGBTQ rights. These actions have galvanized opposition, with protests erupting nationwide. In Austin, Texas, demonstrators marched through downtown, while in Atlanta, crowds gathered at Centennial Olympic Park before heading to the state Capitol. In Sacramento, protesters rallied outside California’s Democratic-dominated Legislature.
In Denver, the protests coincided with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, leading to an unspecified number of detentions. Laura Wilde, a former public school occupational therapist in Austin, emphasized the need for collective action. “We need to show strength,” she said. “I think we’re in a state of shock.”
Fear and Resistance Drive Demonstrators
For many, the protests were fueled by fear of the administration’s agenda. In St. Paul, Minnesota, 28-year-old Hallie Parten carried a sign reading, “Harris Walz Were Right,” a reference to Vice President Kamala Harris and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. “Fear for what is going to happen to our country if we don’t all just do something about it,” Parten explained.
In Alabama, hundreds gathered outside the Statehouse to protest anti-LGBTQ policies. Governor Kay Ivey recently pledged to sign legislation defining sex as strictly male or female, echoing Trump’s executive order on the issue. Reverend Julie Conrady, a Unitarian Universalist minister, addressed the crowd, asserting, “The president thinks he has a lot of power. He does not have the power to determine your gender. He does not have the power to define your identity.”
A Growing Movement
The #50501 protests underscore a growing resistance to the Trump administration’s policies and the influence of figures like Elon Musk. As the movement gains momentum, organizers are calling for continued action to defend democracy and push back against what they see as an authoritarian agenda. With protests spreading across the country, the message is clear: thousands of Americans are ready to stand up and fight for their rights.
The demonstrations mark a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, as citizens mobilize to challenge the administration’s direction and demand accountability. As the #50501 movement gains traction, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration will respond to this wave of dissent. For now, the protests serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of collective action in the face of adversity.
