A coordinated wave of protests organized by the grassroots group “50501” is taking place across all 50 states on Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies since his return to office in January.
The nationwide demonstrations, named for “50 protests, 50 states, one day,” represent the latest in a series of actions by the rapidly growing movement that previously organized “Not My Presidents Day” in February and global “Hands Off” protests earlier this month.
Why It Matters
Since retaking office, Trump has implemented numerous executive orders aimed at reshaping the federal government, rolling back environmental protections, limiting press access, and enforcing strict immigration measures.
Critics have raised concerns about his challenges to judicial rulings and statements questioning electoral processes.
The protests signal widespread public concern about these actions, including cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, impacts on the stock market, immigration policies, and rising cost-of-living.
The group also warned that participants should be prepared for an increased law enforcement presence and that in some locations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may also be present. It added that its movement is pro-democracy and “firmly grounded in non-violence.”
What Is the 50501 Movement?
The 50501 Movement is described as a grassroots organization that emerged in early 2025 in response to policies implemented by Trump during his second term.
The idea for a coordinated National Day of Action began on Reddit and spread across other social media platforms. The tactic was inspired by past mass demonstrations against Trump, such as the January 2017 Women’s March.
What To Know
For Saturday’s demonstrations, organizers hope to see unprecedented participation levels, with social media posts indicating a target of 3.5 percent of the U.S. population—over 11 million people—which they cite as the threshold for “sustained resistance in order to make a difference.”
Hunter Dunn, national press coordinator for 50501, previously told Newsweek that the day is “less about protesting and more about raising awareness on myriad issues.”
Dunn emphasized that the focus varies by location.
“In Southern California, this may look like a mutual aid drive to help people who are still suffering from the consequences of the devastating wildfires. In other places, this may look like a demonstration against [Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s] fascistic mass deportation plan.”
We (the People) Dissent, a 50501 affiliate, has listed more than 525 broader events taking place today as part of the anti-Trump movement.
Florida

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Washington, D.C.

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What People Are Saying
A protester identified only as Tony at the New York City demonstrations told Newsweek: “I’m here because these people were abducted illegally. In America, we have a principle of innocent until proven guilty. And there’s a specific place where those topics and issues are judged, called the court of law. People present evidence on both sides, it’s a fundamental principle of American society. And the Trump administration is behaving the same terroristic way as Pinochet and others have done in the hemisphere.”
Another protester told Newsweek he was at the NYC demonstration: “To protect our country from fascism which is overtaking the whole nation.”
50501 Movement on BlueSky: “We have reason to believe that events on 4/19 and/or the 50501 Movement may be misrepresented by the Trump admin in an attempt to justify the use of military force.”
What Happens Next?
Today’s protests mark a strategic escalation for the 50501 movement as it seeks to transform public demonstrations into lasting political change.
Organizers plan to leverage the momentum from nationwide participation to build broader coalitions with established advocacy groups while developing infrastructure for sustained resistance beyond single-day events.