Thousands Protest Across US in ‘50501’ Movement Against Trump Policies
Massive demonstrations swept across the United States on Saturday, as citizens took to the streets in all 50 states under the banner of “50501”—a nationwide protest movement timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
From the White House to Tesla dealerships and major city centres, protesters voiced strong opposition to a range of actions taken by President Donald Trump since his return to the White House in January 2025. Many participants carried signs reading “No Kings,” a reference to the nation’s founding principles and a pointed critique of what some see as authoritarian tendencies in Trump’s administration.
Deportation Sparks Outrage
A major flashpoint for the demonstrations was the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a man mistakenly expelled to El Salvador. Protesters demanded his immediate return, accusing the administration of gross mishandling of immigration policies.
Gihad Elgendy, speaking to CNN from a protest outside the White House, condemned the deportation, saying Trump “could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back.” The president’s refusal to intervene has inflamed tensions nationwide.
Economic Policies and Job Cuts
Saturday’s protests also targeted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump initiative aimed at slashing government spending and eliminating federal jobs. Many see this move as a direct threat to public services and workers’ livelihoods.
Thomas Bassford, who joined a protest in Boston with his family, told the Associated Press: “This is a very perilous time in America for liberty. I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
Polling Paints a Mixed Picture
While Trump maintains solid support among some sections of the electorate, recent polling indicates a dip in approval ratings. Gallup reported a 45% approval in the first quarter of his term—an improvement from 41% during the same period in his first term, but still below the 60% average for first-quarter ratings of presidents elected since 1952.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed his economic approval rating falling to 37%, down from 42% on Inauguration Day, while overall approval dropped to 43%.
Nationwide Resistance
The “50501” protests follow a larger wave of demonstrations earlier this month, when hundreds of thousands gathered in over 1,200 locations across the country. The so-called “Hands Off” protests were the largest show of national opposition since Trump’s return to office.
While Saturday’s protests were smaller, they were significant in their scope and symbolism. With events held in every state, they sent a unified message of resistance and drew parallels to America’s fight for independence.
Despite isolated incidents—such as a man carrying a Trump sign aggressively confronting Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam—the protests were largely peaceful, underscoring the organizers’ commitment to civil action.
As Trump’s administration continues to chart a controversial path, the protest movement shows no signs of slowing down. Activists vow to keep pressure on the administration in defense of what they call core American values: liberty, justice, and accountability.
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Thousands Protest Across US in ‘50501’ Movement Against Trump Policies