Thousands of Americans across all 50 states poured into the streets over the weekend in a fresh wave of protests against former President Donald Trump. The coordinated demonstrations, branded “50501” — meaning “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement” — took place on Saturday and marked yet another chapter in the growing public backlash against Trump’s recent actions and policies.
The protests were held on April 19, a date with historical significance, as it marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. Organisers said the date was chosen deliberately to draw a parallel between the fight against colonial rule in 1775 and what they describe as a fight against authoritarianism today.
From New York City to Los Angeles, from Chicago to Miami, protestors marched with banners bearing bold slogans like “No King! No Tyranny!”, “No Kings in America”, and even “Deport Trump to El Salvador”. Crowds gathered outside major landmarks including the White House and Tesla dealerships, in addition to public squares, courthouses, and city halls across the country.
A central issue fuelling the demonstrations was the recent deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a man reportedly expelled from the United States by mistake and sent to El Salvador. Protesters claim that the Trump administration has refused to take meaningful steps to bring him back.
“He could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back,” said Gihad Elgendy, a protester who joined a large crowd in front of the White House, speaking to CNN. “Instead, this administration continues to act without empathy or accountability.”
Activists say Ábrego García’s deportation is just one of many examples of what they consider a deeply flawed and unfair immigration system under Trump’s leadership. Many participants at Saturday’s rallies were carrying pictures of Ábrego García as a symbol of injustice.
In addition to immigration concerns, many demonstrators also spoke out against Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly launched program aimed at slashing federal government jobs and reducing government spending.
Critics say the program disproportionately affects public servants, healthcare workers, and educators, and could lead to increased unemployment and weaker public institutions. The policy is seen by many as a continuation of Trump’s long-standing promise to “drain the swamp”, but opponents argue that it targets ordinary workers rather than corrupt officials.
“Cutting thousands of jobs is not efficient; it’s destructive,” said one protester in Houston, Texas. “What he calls efficiency is just an attack on working-class Americans.”
While some protesters focused on immigration or government cuts, others raised a wide variety of concerns. Climate change inaction, reproductive rights, attacks on the media, and threats to American democracy were all major themes at the rallies.
Many protesters drew comparisons between Trump’s leadership style and that of authoritarian leaders around the world. The repeated use of slogans like “No King! No Tyranny!” and “No Kings in America” referenced fears that Trump is attempting to consolidate power in undemocratic ways.
These fears have grown louder in recent weeks amid reports that Trump is considering moves to expand executive authority if re-elected in 2024. Critics say such efforts pose a danger to the balance of power in the U.S. political system.
The protests were largely peaceful and well-organized, with demonstrators coordinating through social media and civil society groups. Several advocacy groups, including immigrant rights organisations, labor unions, and student associations, collaborated to plan the events.
A statement released by the 50501 movement said the goal was not just to protest but to inspire long-term civic engagement and accountability in governance.
“We are not just marching against Trump,” the statement read. “We are standing for a vision of America that honours freedom, fairness, and justice for all — not just the powerful few.”
Organisers urged protesters to stay engaged through voter registration, community outreach, and participation in upcoming elections.
As of Sunday afternoon, Donald Trump had not made any public comments about the nationwide protests. However, political analysts believe he is likely to dismiss the demonstrations as partisan noise or label them as “fake outrage” by his opponents.
Trump, who is widely expected to be the Republican presidential nominee in the 2024 election, has consistently positioned himself as a fighter against what he calls “the deep state” and “radical leftists”. His campaign rallies continue to draw large crowds, and polls show he retains strong support among Republican voters.
Still, Saturday’s protests are a reminder that significant opposition remains, particularly among young voters, ethnic minorities, and urban communities.
Donald Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. After losing the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, Trump has continued to play a central role in American politics. He has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election and remains a polarising figure both at home and abroad.
Trump’s presidency was marked by sweeping policy changes, especially in immigration, foreign policy, and deregulation. While his supporters applaud his confrontational style and nationalist approach, critics accuse him of weakening democratic norms, promoting division, and fueling racial and political tensions.
Protests against Trump are not new. Throughout his presidency and after, he has faced widespread criticism, including from former officials, global leaders, and civil rights activists. Saturday’s 50501 protests add to a long list of public actions taken by Americans who fear the consequences of his return to power.
With the 2024 US presidential election drawing closer, tensions in the country are rising. Both Trump’s allies and his critics are mobilising supporters, raising funds, and preparing for what many expect to be one of the most contentious elections in modern American history.
As protesters continue to raise their voices, one message from the 50501 Movement stood out across many of the marches: “The power belongs to the people — not the president.” Whether that message will influence political outcomes remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that many Americans are not willing to stay silent.
