Nationwide Protests Erupt on Presidents Day Against Trump and Musk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States on Presidents Day, protesting against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk over sweeping changes to federal agencies and policies. Organized under the banner of the 50501 Movement, the demonstrations spanned all 50 states, with large gatherings at the U.S. Capitol and state government buildings nationwide.

In Washington, D.C., protesters braved near-freezing temperatures and strong winds, assembling at the Capitol Reflecting Pool and chanting, “Where is Congress?” and “Do your job!” The movement’s leaders denounced what they called anti-democratic actions by the Trump administration and Musk’s growing influence over federal operations.

“To oppose tyranny is to stand behind democracy,” said Potus Black, a leading organizer of the D.C. protests. “The events of the past month have been designed to exhaust us, to break our wills. But we are the American people. We will not break.”

The 50501 Movement—standing for "50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement."—has launched its second nationwide demonstration in response to Trump’s executive actions. Among the most contentious orders are mass firings across federal agencies and policies that critics say threaten civil liberties. Musk, recently appointed to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has come under scrutiny for alleged overreach, including gaining access to citizens' financial and personal data through federal agencies.

Public Outcry and Economic Uncertainty

Among the demonstrators, concerns ranged from government transparency to job security. Suzanne, a Maryland resident who declined to provide her last name for fear of retaliation, said her husband, a federal employee at a financial regulatory agency, is worried about potential layoffs.

“It’s put us in a tenuous financial situation. His paychecks are still coming in, but we’re preparing for the worst,” she said. “He and his coworkers are standing together to fight back.”

Anita Gilmore, another protester from Maryland, expressed fears over her son’s access to federal healthcare.

“My son is on Medicaid because of a life-threatening condition,” Gilmore said. “Without it, he would be one of the homeless men you see on the streets.”

Criticism of Congress was also widespread among protesters, with many accusing lawmakers of failing to hold the administration accountable.

“I want Congress to grow a spine,” said Katie Temple, a protester holding a sign reading, “Was the price of your eggs worth our democracy?”

Demonstrations Sweep the Nation

Protests extended beyond Washington, with rallies taking place in major cities and state capitals across the country. In Boston, demonstrators gathered at Boston Common despite freezing winds. In the South, Knoxville protesters chanted “No felons, no Elons” near a federal courthouse, while rallies also took place in Atlanta, Nashville, and Miami.

Iowa State Capitol saw dozens of protesters chanting, “President Musk must go!” in response to Musk’s role in federal governance. Meanwhile, in Palo Alto, demonstrators targeted Tesla dealerships, criticizing Musk’s leadership both in government and business.

In Denver, over 1,000 people marched through snow-covered streets, carrying signs demanding protections for women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and immigrants.

As the protests continued, organizers vowed further action. “This movement is only beginning,” Black said. “The American people will not be silenced.”