“Historic Uprising: Protests Erupt Against Trump & Musk Across the US!”
Opponents of President Donald Trump’s agenda and his top adviser, Elon Musk, took to the streets Monday in cities across the U.S., rallying under slogans like “Not My President’s Day” and “No King’s Day.”
The demonstrations, organized by the 50501 Movement—which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one day—gained traction through grassroots efforts on Reddit, Instagram, Bluesky, and Discord. With 115,000 members on its Reddit page, the movement decried what it calls the erosion of constitutional rights and the consolidation of power.
Key Developments:
🔹 Washington, D.C.: Thousands rallied outside the U.S. Capitol, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like!”
🔹 New York City: Protesters marched behind a banner reading “Stop the GOP coup,” with chants of “No one elected Elon Musk!”
🔹 Austin, Texas: Crowds shouted, “Hey hey, ho ho, Elon Musk has got to go!”
🔹 Colorado: Demonstrators near Rocky Mountain National Park carried signs like “I speak for the trees,” chanting, “No king, no crown, we the people won’t back down.”
50501 organizers vowed to continue mobilizing against what they see as an attack on democracy.
NAACP Holds ‘Buy-In’ Protest at Costco
In Denver, the Rocky Mountain chapter of the NAACP organized a “buy-in” demonstration at a Costco store, with at least 30 supporters shopping to show appreciation for the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“This isn’t a Black thing or a white thing—it’s a green thing,” said Portia Prescott, the regional NAACP president. “Buying power is one of the strongest tools we have in America. We need corporations to recognize the value of diversity.”
Supporters posed for photos among big-screen TVs, hoping their collective spending would send a clear message.
Florida Protesters Rally for Safety & Rights
In Tallahassee, dozens gathered outside the Florida Historic Capitol as part of 15+ planned protests across the state. Protesters of all ages—teens to seniors—held signs and chanted, “Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!”
Among them was 16-year-old Leah Terrazas, who urged passing cars to join. “I’m here for my immigrant family who has given so much to this country,” she said, standing alongside her parents. “Every woman in my family deserves to feel safe in their own home.”
Phil Pouliot, 66, a former state park ranger, held a sign reading, “Keep your paws off my national parks.” Wearing his state park jacket, he added, “Our priority should be protecting our resources while ensuring public access.”
Protesters vowed to continue speaking out for change.
Protesters Rally Nationwide Against Trump & Musk’s Influence
“Our Leaders Here Can Listen to Us”
Braving freezing temperatures, more than 100 protesters gathered outside Cincinnati’s City Hall on Monday, chanting “Stop the coup!” and “No dictators!” Organizers emphasized that while Trump and Musk weren’t present, their message had to start somewhere.
“We wanted to ensure Cincinnatians have a voice,” said Jack Cunningham, 26, a local activist. “Our leaders need to hear us and act.”
Protester Veronica Bishop, 58, voiced concern over Musk’s role in overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an agency driving massive federal job cuts. “Where are the checks and balances?” she asked. “How can a private citizen wield so much power in our government?”
However, Hamilton County GOP Chairman Russell Mock dismissed the claims, arguing Musk’s advisory role is nothing unusual. “President Trump won a lawful election and is doing exactly what he promised,” Mock said.
Growing Backlash Over Federal Job Cuts
Dissent has intensified as Trump’s administration moves to eliminate thousands of federal jobs, a move framed as cost-cutting but widely criticized as dismantling public services.
“We stand at a critical moment in history,” said 50501 Movement organizers. “The White House must be governed by the will of the people, not a tech billionaire buying influence.”
The movement also continues to push back against Trump’s executive orders, including efforts to roll back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and pardon individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Taking Back the Flag
50501 urged protesters to wave American flags “like your life depended on it” and wear blue, symbolizing vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
“If you have an American flag or patriotic apparel, bring it and wave it proudly,” a social media post read. “It’s time to take back our flag.”
Sen. Van Hollen Joins the Fight
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced he would attend a rally in Annapolis, condemning “Trump and Musk’s efforts to dismantle the merit-based civil service in favor of political cronyism.” He pledged to defend federal workers and critical public services.
Past Protests Show Momentum
Similar demonstrations were held on Feb. 5, when hundreds marched in Washington, D.C. from the U.S. Capitol to the Department of Labor, where Musk’s DOGE officials were visiting. As a close Trump ally, Musk has been instrumental in executing the administration’s cost-cutting initiative to shrink the federal government.
With protests gaining traction, organizers vow to keep up the pressure.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Critical moment in history’: Protests across US target Trump, Musk