Photos Show Trump, Musk 50501 Protests Across the US

The Nationwide Protests on Presidents Day: A Stand Against Donald Trump and Elon Musk

Thousands of Americans braved freezing temperatures on Presidents Day to voice their opposition to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The protests, largely peaceful but marked by isolated incidents of chaos, were organized under the banner of the "Not My Presidents Day" movement. Demonstrators in cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York, Orlando, and Lincoln, Nebraska, gathered to express their discontent with the Trump administration’s policies and Musk’s role in shaping federal decisions. The protests were spearheaded by the 50501 Movement, a group that has been vocal about its opposition to mass deportations, federal budget cuts, and the repeal of protections for transgender individuals.

In Washington D.C., a tense moment unfolded when an anti-Trump protester was arrested for allegedly spraying blue paint on a Trump supporter wearing a MAGA hat. The incident occurred on the National Mall near the Capitol Building, where demonstrators held signs reading "No Kings" and "Federal Employees Don’t Work for Kings." In Phoenix, Arizona, protesters attempted to enter the state Capitol to attend a Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require police to support federal immigration policies. Security personnel intervened to maintain order. Despite these isolated disruptions, the majority of the protests remained peaceful, with demonstrators chanting slogans like "Elon Musk has got to go" and dress in Revolutionary War-style clothing.

The Motivations Behind the Protests: A Fight Against Radical Policies

The 50501 Movement, which organized the protests, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly its mass deportations and sweeping federal cuts. The group also targeted Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been accused of implementing draconian budget reductions. In an Instagram post, the movement called for a "day of action" on Presidents Day, urging Americans to take a stand against what they describe as radical and harmful policies. "Every small act contributes to a powerful collective movement," the post read. The movement has previously collaborated with Political Revolution, a group initially formed to support Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, suggesting a broader coalition of progressive voices.

The protests were not just about policy disagreements but also about the symbolic rejection of autocratic leadership. Many demonstrators carried signs that read "No Kings," a direct reference to the perception that Trump and Musk are wielding undue power. A federal employee in Washington D.C., who wished to remain anonymous for fear of job repercussions, summed up the sentiment: "Federal Employees Don’t Work for Kings." This theme of resistance against authoritarianism was a recurring motif in the protests, with many demonstrators emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values.

Key Incidents and Reactions: A Divided Nation Speaks Out

The protests were marked by moments of both unity and tension. In Boston, nearly 1,000 people braved freezing temperatures and wind chills in the teens to march from the Statehouse to City Hall. Chants of "Elon Musk has got to go" echoed through the streets, while signs reading "This is a Coup" and "Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up" reflected the depth of frustration among the demonstrators. In Phoenix, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Capitol, carrying signs that read "Resist Fascism." However, the peaceful nature of the protest was briefly disrupted when a group of demonstrators attempted to enter the Capitol to attend a Senate committee hearing on immigration policy.

Not everyone was supportive of the protests. Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson accused the demonstrators of inciting violence, tweeting about an effigy of Trump in prison clothes with a noose around his neck being dragged through the streets of Washington D.C. "Arrest them. Sick and deranged people," he wrote. These comments underscore the deep political divide in the country, with both sides accusing the other of extremism.

What People Are Saying: Voices of Protest and Opposition

The protests have sparked a wave of reactions from political leaders, commentators, and ordinary citizens. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, took to social media to express her support for the demonstrators. "Presidents are not kings. And we are not powerless," she wrote. "In Congress and the courts—with protests and local organizing—we can expose the radicalism of Trump nominees, show how his actions hurt real people, obstruct his agenda, and put checks on his lawlessness. I will keep fighting." Her words resonated with many of the protesters, who see the demonstrations as a way to hold the administration accountable.

Protester Emily Manning, a 55-year-old demonstrator at the Boston rally, echoed Warren’s sentiments. "I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for," she said. "American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people. This is about standing up for democracy and ensuring that everyone has a say in how this country is run." Phoenix protest organizer December Archer emphasized the importance of maintaining civility and respectability in the protests.