- Widespread Protests: Thousands of protesters gathered in cities across the United States, including New York, Washington, and San Francisco, to demonstrate against President Donald Trump and his policies. The protests were organized under the banner of the group 50501, which represents 50 protests in 50 states and one movement.
- Immigration and Constitutional Concerns: Protesters voiced concerns about Trump’s deportations of undocumented migrants, the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the potential threat to constitutional norms, including the right to due process. Signs and chants, such as “No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” highlighted the focus on immigration issues.
- Science and Health: Some protesters emphasized the importance of science and health work, criticizing the government’s defunding of these areas and referencing the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. A protester studying immunology at Johns Hopkins University carried a map of Texas covered with spots, symbolizing the outbreak, and said, “When science is ignored, people die.”
- Call for Impeachment: In San Francisco, several hundred people gathered on a beach to spell out “IMPEACH + REMOVE,” while others held upside-down US flags, traditionally a symbol of distress.
Protesters expressed a range of concerns, from the erosion of constitutional norms to the impact of Trump’s policies on specific communities. Some compared the current situation to the rise of fascist leaders in history, while others emphasized the need for action to protect democratic values
The protests aimed to build resentment over Trump’s policies and forge a lasting movement. Organizers hoped for millions to participate in the demonstrations, although turnout appeared smaller than the “Hands Off” protests across the country on April 5. The group 50501 emphasized the importance of non-violent protests and called for a rapid response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.
