In a bold and daring display of resistance, Americans across the country have risen up in unprecedented protests to defend their democracy from what they call the looming threat of fascism under President Trump’s leadership. The wave of discontent is sweeping through all 50 states, as citizens unite to take a stand against what they consider the authoritarianism and anti-democratic actions of the current administration. The message is loud and clear from: “No Kings In The USA” to “Not My President’s Day”
Unlike the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overthrow the government, the protests on Presidents Day have been largely peaceful, though undeniably charged with outrage. These demonstrations, organized by the 50501 Movement—standing for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.”—are being seen as the country’s collective pushback against Trump’s alleged dismantling of democracy and his power-hungry tactics.
According to NPR, the protests come on the heels of a series of controversial executive orders, many pushed forward by tech mogul Elon Musk, which critics argue aim to strip away the fundamental role of the federal government. From the White House, Trump’s actions have been widely criticized for their seemingly anti-democratic intent, as the billionaire tech mogul Musk gains more influence in shaping policies that directly impact the nation’s governance.
“Why today? Because it’s Presidents Day,” says Sydney Wilson, a national organizer and spokesperson for the 50501 Movement. “What better day to hold our government accountable? We’re sending a message loud and clear—we will not sit idly by while this administration seeks to undermine everything we stand for.”
The roots of the protests lie in an online call to action that began on Reddit in late January, when a user by the name of Evolved_Fungi suggested a nationwide day of resistance. What began as an online rallying cry quickly gained traction, spreading across social media platforms. The first round of protests, held on February 5, may not have attracted the massive crowds seen during Trump’s inauguration protests, but they were significant nonetheless—thousands of citizens gathered at state capitols and cities nationwide, demanding Trump’s impeachment and an end to Musk’s growing influence in government.
During those protests, demonstrators called for Trump’s removal from office, demanded an investigation into Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, and fought for the reinstatement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs that had been overturned by the Trump administration.
“We are seeing the largest concentration of the 50501 Movement yet,” says Wilson, predicting an even bigger turnout this Presidents Day. “We are more determined than ever. Our demands remain unchanged—we still want Elon Musk gone, and we still want the reinstatement of critical anti-discrimination policies that protect marginalized communities.”
Musk, now deeply embedded in the Trump administration, continues to draw fire from critics who see his involvement as a dangerous merging of corporate power with government influence. The 50501 Movement’s call for his removal reflects broader concerns over the rise of a corporate oligarchy within the U.S. government.
The group’s outrage isn’t just directed at Trump and Musk, but at the entire administration, which they accuse of prioritizing profit over the people. “We refuse to sit back while they try to turn our country into a fascist regime,” says the movement in a statement. “This is a call to action, and we won’t back down.”
While the 50501 Movement is not formally aligned with any political party, it has drawn support from across the political spectrum, including Democratic lawmakers, grassroots organizations, and even high-profile figures like comedian Amy Poehler, who has amplified the protest’s message through her Smart Girls organization.
However, the movement’s rapid rise to prominence on platforms like Reddit and Discord—boasting over 102,000 members on the former and more than 7,000 on the latter—has been a source of controversy. Critics claim that the protests are fueled by the radical left, accusing them of inciting division and undermining the legitimacy of Trump’s presidency. Yet, for those involved in the 50501 Movement, the stakes are clear: the very future of democracy hangs in the balance.
With the protest momentum growing, the question remains—will the 50501 Movement manage to make its mark on history, or will it be another blip in the long and contentious fight for America’s soul? One thing is for sure: the fight against what many see as the growing grip of fascism in the U.S. is far from over. And the movement is only just getting started.
