On Presidents Day, demonstrators across the United States gathered at state capitol buildings and other locations to protest against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who has been leading significant changes within the federal government.
In Washington, D.C., thousands of protesters assembled at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, chanting “Where is Congress?” and urging lawmakers to “do your job!” despite cold temperatures and strong winds. Potus Black, an organizer with the D.C. chapter of the 50501 Movement, which spearheaded the rallies, called on the crowd to stand united in defense of democracy.
“To oppose tyranny is to stand behind democracy and remind our elected officials that we, the people, are who they are elected to serve, not themselves,” Black said. “The events over the past month have been built to exhaust us, to break our wills. But we are the American people. We will not break.”
The protests were part of the 50501 Movement, a campaign that stands for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.” Organizers said the demonstrations were a direct response to what they described as “anti-democratic and illegal actions” by the Trump administration. The latest rallies follow a series of executive orders signed by Trump and decisions made by Musk, who has faced criticism for mass firings across multiple federal agencies.
Several demonstrators spoke out against the changes, voicing concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency, the agency Musk oversees, and its access to data from the IRS and other federal records. Others raised alarm over the dismissal of national park rangers and employees across government agencies.
Suzanne, a Maryland resident who requested her last name be withheld due to fear of retaliation, attended the protest in support of her husband, a financial regulatory agency employee. She expressed concerns about his job security as the government faces widespread layoffs.
“It’s put us in a pretty tenuous financial situation. Currently, his paychecks are going through, but we’re looking to Plan B as an alternative on how to support our family, our children,” she said. “But it has really motivated him and his co-workers to stand united, to stand as a solid, solidified workers force.”
Anita Gilmore, also from Maryland, worried about the potential impact on her son’s healthcare coverage, which he relies on for critical treatment. She expressed anxiety over decisions that could be made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“My son is on Medicaid because he has a life-threatening disease that if I wasn’t there to take care of him, he would be one of these D.C. [homeless] guys on the street,” Gilmore said.
Frustration with Congress was another recurring theme among protesters. Many accused lawmakers of not doing enough to check the executive branch. Katie Temple, holding a sign that read, “Was the price of your eggs worth our democracy?” called for stronger action.
“I want Congress to grow a spine, as they’ve been saying,” Temple said. “I feel like, especially the Democrats, are not standing up. We need them to act.”
Following the protests, Black emphasized that the 50501 Movement would continue.
“We know that this one protest is not going to be enough to make the changes that we expect,” Black said. “We will be continuing to let the American people’s voice be heard.”
Protests Spread Nationwide from California to Tennessee to Massachusetts
Demonstrations occurred across the country, with protesters flooding statehouses, federal courts, and other public spaces. The 50501 Movement organized rallies in more than half of the U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Tennessee, and Massachusetts.
In the Northeast, despite freezing temperatures and strong winds, hundreds gathered at Boston Common, bundled in winter coats and beanies. Similar protests took place in Hartford, New York City, and Trenton.
In Tennessee, protesters gathered in Knoxville near a federal courthouse for an event called the “Not My Billionaires” rally. They waved signs that read “Musk wasn’t on the ballot” and “No felons, no Elons.” Demonstrations also took place in Nashville, Atlanta, and Miami.
In Iowa, dozens of protesters gathered inside the statehouse, chanting “President Musk must go!” to condemn Musk’s influence over the federal government, particularly his leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency, according to Iowa Local 5 News.
On the West Coast, rallies in Palo Alto targeted Tesla dealerships, with protesters expressing concerns over Musk’s expanding political role. In Denver, Colorado, more than 1,000 people took to the streets despite snowy conditions, holding signs advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and immigration protections, according to Colorado Public Radio.
As protests continued across the country, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to sustained action.
“We know this is just the beginning,” Black said. “The American people will not stay silent.”
