Thousands of protesters gathered across major U.S. cities on Saturday in a nationwide demonstration by Americans against President Donald Trump’s recent policies and actions.
The coordinated protests, known as “50501” — an acronym for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement” — were timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
From outside the White House to city centers and Tesla dealerships across the country, demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policies, including the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly removed to El Salvador.
Protesters carried signs with slogans such as “No Kings,” referencing America’s founding revolt against monarchy and authoritarianism. The message resonated during commemorations in Massachusetts marking the historic battles of Lexington and Concord and Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” said Thomas Bassford, who attended the protest in Boston with his family. “I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
Saturday’s protests come on the heels of even larger demonstrations earlier this month, dubbed “Hands Off,” which drew hundreds of thousands to over 1,200 locations nationwide.
Among the issues sparking the 50501 movement were actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), an initiative launched by President Trump aimed at cutting government jobs and spending. Critics say the program has harmed public services and targeted marginalized groups.
In Washington, D.C., Gihad Elgendy told CNN that he joined the protest in response to the government’s refusal to facilitate Ábrego García’s return. “Trump could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back,” he said.
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While most Americans remained peaceful, one moment of tension arose when a man holding a Trump sign pushed through a crowd to confront Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media.
Despite the mounting public opposition, Trump’s approval rating stands at 45%, according to a recent Gallup poll. While higher than during the same period in his first term, it still lags behind the historical average for first-term presidents, which is 60%.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed a slight dip in Trump’s approval, falling to 43% from 47% on Inauguration Day. Public confidence in his handling of the economy also dropped, with only 37% expressing approval.
Saturday’s protests signal a continued wave of civic unrest and reflect growing discontent with the administration as Trump’s second term unfolds.
With Agency reports
