The video of a protester pulling a dummy that looks strikingly like Elon Musk, at what appeared to be the 50501 protest on Monday in Washington D.C. has quickly spread through social media, sparking heated discussion and questions about current political discourse in America.
What It Means
Elon Musk’s effigy, as well as the demonstrations that accompanied it, underscore the increasing criticism of Elon Musk for his role at the Department of Government Efficiency. This is in addition to the growing polarization of American politics. The unrest is fueled by mass deportations and fears about the impact of DOGE cuts on vital social programs. This event highlights how strongly people feel about the policies of the Trump administration and Musk’s appointment to important government posts.
Learn What To Do
A “day of actions” organized by the 50501 group took place during Presidents Day. This event attracted thousands of Americans to voice their disapproval of President Donald Trump, and Elon Musk. In different places, protesters expressed their anger at perceived overreach by the government and cuts in essential services. Social media was used by the 50501 movement to promote the protest, which called for an united front against harmful policies.
Right Angle News Network first reported the video of Elon Musk’s dummy. They said it was shot at a D.C. demonstration, though they didn’t specifically credit it to 50501. This video went viral quickly, leading to online speculation as to who the effigy was meant for. The dummy, dressed in a striped prison uniform and labeled with a ‘Musk’ tag, was dragged by what appeared to be a noose, intensifying the controversy surrounding the demonstration.
BREAKING – At a massive anti-DOGE protest in DC, Democrats can be seen parading an effigy of President Trump with a rope around his neck.
Absolute hatred is a vile word! pic.twitter.com/oOIWQFKOAf
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) February 17, 2025
Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency and other targets
The recent protest follows other demonstrations earlier this month, where Elon Musk also played a prominent role. More than 100 people gathered in New York City to demonstrate outside City Hall. They carried signs portraying Elon Musk as the king. Others displayed messages that included “No one has voted Elon Musk”, “No tech-takeover!” and others. The protests highlight the concern about Elon Musk and his potential influence in government affairs.
Musk is a new member of the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite White House claims to the contrary, Musk is the head of this department. Musk has led cuts in the U.S. Agency for International Development, spoken of shutting down Department of Education or even the Department of Education itself, and also expressed intentions of reforming Social Security. The actions of Musk have caused widespread concern and debate about the future of important public services. The DOGE initiatives have been associated with recent concerns over mass deportations, and possible shifts in the government’s priorities.
A poll reveals a divided American population regarding the DOGE’s overhaul of federal government. The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about one third of Americans approve of the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency. The data shows a deep level of skepticism, and even anxiety about the DOGE and the Trump Administration’s government efficiency efforts.
After President Trump’s inaugural, students in Milan in Italy displayed an Elon-Musk effigy. Musk’s gesture, which was seen by some to be a Nazi salute during the inauguration had already caused outrage. Musk rejected these allegations, calling them a “dirty tricks” by his critics.
Piazzale Loreto is historically significant as it was the place where Benito Mussolini’s body was displayed following his execution. This grim comparison has heightened the controversy over the incident involving the effigy.
See what people are saying
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her outrage on X: “The insane democrats threaten to kill Elon Musk, President Trump, and the DOGE! They are not protesters. They are employees of the government who have a role to play in saving America !!!”
Benny Johnson – Conservative political commentator, YouTuber and Youtuber shared the video on X, stating: “BREAKING News: Democrats drag around an effigy in prison clothing of President Trump with a noose on his neck during an anti-DOGE demonstration in DC. Inciting violence. You should arrest them. They are sick and deranged.
Elizabeth Warren, Democratic senator addressed protesters on X “Presidents do not rule as kings. But we’re not helpless. In Congress and the courts—with protests and local organizing—we can expose the radicalism of Trump nominees, show how his actions hurt real people, obstruct his agenda, and put checks on his lawlessness. “I will continue to fight.”
Elon Musk discussed the current situation with President Donald Trump in an interview that will be broadcast in its entirety on Fox News on Tuesday evening: “I used to be adored by the left, less so these days…. They call it Trump derangement syndrome, and you don’t realize how real it is until…it’s like you can’t reason with people.”
The Next Step
In addition to announcing plans for protests in the U.S. on Feb. 19, 50501 has also announced further actions. According to the website of the movement, protests will be held in opposition to Elon Musk’s “push” for “gutting federal services and mass layoffs”. The focus of future demonstrations is expected to be on federal budget cuts, mass immigration, and DOGE’s overall strategy under Trump.