Protesters March Against Trump Administration on Presidents Day
On Presidents Day, February 17, 2025, thousands of protesters across the United States braved freezing temperatures to voice their opposition to President Trump’s administration and its policies. The demonstrations, organized under the theme "No Kings on Presidents Day," were part of a coordinated effort by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots initiative aiming to hold 50 protests across 50 states in a single day. This marked the second wave of nationwide protests in less than two weeks, following a similar event on February 5. The rallies were not only a rejection of Trump’s policies but also targeted Elon Musk, the head of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which the administration claims is focused on cutting federal spending.
Protesters in cities like Boston, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Seattle marched through snowy streets, chanting slogans such as "Elon Musk has got to go" and carrying signs that read "This is a Coup" and "Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up." In Boston, nearly 1,000 people marched from the Statehouse to City Hall, defying wind chills in the teens. Many demonstrators dressed in Revolutionary War-style clothing, emphasizing their message of resistance to what they described as a plutocratic regime. Emily Manning, a 55-year-old engineer from Boston, attended the rally with her two teenage sons, stating, "I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for. American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people."
Protests Target Anti-Democratic Actions and Immigration Policies
The protests were broadly aimed at what organizers described as the "anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies." In Washington, D.C., one sign notably read, "Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump." Demonstrators also targeted recent executive orders by Trump and the layoffs of federal workers as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce.
In Phoenix, Arizona, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the State Capitol to oppose a bill that would require state law enforcement to support federal immigration policies. Security personnel barred protesters from entering the building after some attempted to do so. The bill, which passed in a party-line vote in a state Senate committee, was criticized for promoting racial profiling and family separation. Senate President Warren Petersen, the bill’s sponsor, defended it, stating, "After the past four years of lawlessness at our border, it is imperative that every level of government supports efforts to safeguard our communities from the harms of illegal immigration." However, critics, including former state lawmaker Raquel Terán, argued that such measures "politicize with an issue of our humanity" and misrepresent the priorities of Arizona voters.
Nationwide Protests Draw Thousands, Counter-Demonstrations Emerge
Protesters also turned out in other major cities, including Denver, Dallas, Annapolis, Maryland, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami. In some areas, counter-demonstrations in support of Trump emerged. For instance, in West Palm Beach, Florida, supporters gathered outside Trump International Golf Club to show their backing for the president. The 50501 Movement, which orchestrated the protests, emphasized its commitment to resisting the policies and actions of the second Trump administration.
The Broader Significance of the Protests
The protests on Presidents Day highlighted the deepening divide in the United States over issues ranging from immigration policy to government spending. While critics of the Trump administration accused it of advancing undemocratic and harmful policies, supporters defended its actions as necessary to restore law and order. The involvement of grassroots movements like the 50501 Movement underscored the growing grassroots resistance to the administration’s agenda and the broader debate over the direction of the country.
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Battle for American Values
As the protests concluded, organizers and participants alike expressed their determination to continue the fight against what they perceive as an attack on American values. With the 50501 Movement planning further actions, the demonstrations on Presidents Day marked just one chapter in an ongoing struggle. Whether through legislative battles, grassroots organizing, or public protests, the debate over the future of the United States—and the role of its leadership—shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
