Progressive groups organized protests across the United States on Presidents Day to demonstrate against President Donald Trump’s perceived executive overreach. Demonstrators gathered in cities like Austin, Orlando, Boston, and Phoenix, with over a thousand people assembled at the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The 50501 Movement, a coalition of activists, called for organizations and activists to unite against what they see as fascism and the destruction of the country under Trump. Protesters carried signs calling for the impeachment of Elon Musk, resistance against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and to save the republic.
Protesters in Washington, D.C., spoke to Fox News Digital about their reasons for attending the demonstration. They expressed their opposition to Trump and his policies, with one protester accusing him of being a weapon of mass destruction who only cares about himself and his cronies. Educators, like Mary Hart, voiced concerns about their immigrant and trans students being targeted by the administration. Others, like Jerome Bobowski, protested to protect the rights of their daughters and ensure justice in the country. The protesters were motivated by a fear of losing personal liberties under the Trump administration.
In response to the “Not My Presidents Day” protests, the White House emphasized Trump’s leadership as a president for all Americans. They highlighted his mandate from the American people and his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises. However, protesters continued to express their opposition to Trump’s presidency and policies. The 50501 Movement, which started with a Reddit post, mobilized over 20,000 people across the country on Feb. 5 to protest Trump’s policies and Project 2025. The movement takes a decentralized approach, allowing individual groups and cities to articulate their mission while pushing back against Project 2025.
The 50501 Movement is not affiliated with a political party and does not have a clear leader. The organization emphasizes giving power back to the people and pushing back against what they see as harmful policies. Organizers preach peace at protests and do not welcome civil disobedience. While the movement gained traction on social media with hashtags like #buildtheresistance and #50501, it allows states and smaller groups to determine their own demands and actions. Sarah, a national core member of the 50501 Movement and executive director of Voices of Florida, focuses on issues like reproductive rights, immigrant rights, and queer rights within the movement. Protesters are determined to stand against what they perceive as threats to their communities and personal liberties.
