Progressive groups across the country took to the streets on Monday in a powerful show of resistance against President Donald Trump. The “Not My Presidents Day” or “No Kings Day” protests, organized by the 50501 Movement, aimed to push back against what they call Trump’s “executive overreach.”
From Austin, Texas, to Orlando, Florida, and Boston to Phoenix, demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide, carrying handmade signs, chanting slogans, and singing songs of defiance. In Washington, D.C., more than a thousand protesters assembled at the Capitol Reflecting Pool to make their voices heard on Presidents Day.
“On Monday, we call on organizations and activists across the nation to once again stand united,” said Sarah, a 50501 Movement organizer. “We will not cede ground to fascism quietly. We will fight back against Project 2025 and stand for our communities.”
In the nation’s capital, protesters carried signs demanding Trump’s impeachment and opposing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Some accused tech mogul Elon Musk of enabling government overreach. The scene was charged with tension as chants of “We The People Serve No King!” filled the air.
“I’m here to protest the president, protest Elon Musk, and protest all the executive orders,” said Jennifer, a demonstrator in Washington, D.C. “Everything he’s doing is mass destruction. He is a weapon of mass destruction.”
Mary Hart, an educator at the protest, voiced concerns over the administration’s impact on marginalized communities. “I’m scared for my immigrant students. I’m scared for my trans students. They are being dehumanized by this government,” she said. “They come to school afraid, and it’s heartbreaking.”
Another protester, Jerome Bobowski from Detroit, led chants questioning Congress’s role in holding the administration accountable. “My daughters deserve the same rights as my wife. We want justice. We don’t want a country without laws. That’s why people come here—for democracy, not kings!” he said passionately.
While protesters expressed fears of losing personal freedoms, the White House dismissed their concerns. “President Trump has a resounding mandate from the American people. He is delivering on his promises of strengthening the economy and restoring common-sense policies,” said Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields.
The 50501 Movement, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states on one day, was born out of a viral Reddit post. Sarah, a national organizer, described how social media fueled the movement’s rapid rise. “People didn’t know where to put their frustration. That Reddit post gave them the power to mobilize and make their voices heard.”
The movement remains decentralized, allowing each city to tailor its message. Sarah, also the executive director of Voices of Florida, said the focus is resisting Project 2025 and defending civil rights. “We don’t dictate demands; we give the power back to the people.”
Despite its massive turnout, 50501 leaders emphasize that the movement is nonviolent. “We stand for peace and civil resistance. Disobedience isn’t welcome,” Sarah added.
With its growing momentum, the “No Kings Day” protest signals a widening resistance against Trump’s policies. Whether this movement will shape future political battles remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the people are speaking, and they refuse to be silenced.
