Thousands of Americans took to the streets on Saturday in a coordinated wave of anti-Trump protests dubbed “50501” symbolizing 50 protests in 50 states, unified under one movement. The demonstrations coincided with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War, and many participants carried signs bearing the phrase “No Kings,” a direct reference to the country’s founding rebellion against monarchy and authoritarian rule.
From Washington D.C. to California, demonstrators voiced concern over a range of issues tied to President Donald Trump’s second administration, including the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García to El Salvador and the aggressive cost-cutting policies under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to slash government jobs and public spending.
Outside the White House, Gihad Elgendy told CNN he joined the protest to demand the return of Ábrego García, arguing that Trump could leverage diplomatic pressure to rectify the situation. Similar sentiments were echoed in cities such as Boston, New York, and Chicago, where protesters gathered not just in city centers but outside Tesla dealerships n a nod to the increasing overlap between tech, business, and politics.
While the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, tensions occasionally flared. In one incident captured on video by Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a man waving a pro-Trump sign was seen aggressively pushing through a crowd to confront protesters.
Trump’s approval ratings have dipped slightly in recent weeks. A Gallup poll showed a 45% approval rating for Trump in the first quarter of this term, lower than the 60% average for first-term presidents since 1952. Recent figures from Reuters/Ipsos also reflect growing discontent with Trump’s economic leadership, with only 37% approving of his handling of the economy — down from 42% at the start of his term.
Despite the political divisions, protesters like Thomas Bassford in Boston emphasized the civic spirit behind the protests. “This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” he said. “I wanted my grandsons to understand that freedom often requires standing up and being heard.”
