Thousands of protesters across the United States took part in the “Not My Presidents Day”, a nationwide demonstration, to express their disapproval of former President Donald Trump as well as Elon Musk CEO of Tesla SpaceX and Tesla. Protesters rallied in many cities to voice their unhappiness despite the freezing temperatures.
While the protests were mostly peaceful, signs that read “No Kings” were used to express concerns over authoritarianism. Most demonstrations were orderly, but isolated incidents did occur, such as an attempted entry into the Arizona State Capitol, in Phoenix, and a Washington, D.C. arrest following a paint-spraying attack on a Trump Supporter.
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The Motivations for Protests
50501 Movement – the group that organized the protests across the country – cited a number of reasons why the protests were so important. Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),” which is a program to reduce the workforce at Elon Musk-owned companies, were two of the main motivators.
50501 Movement mobilized participation through social media, encouraging a “day-of-action” for Presidents Day. They emphasized collective action and stated that, “Each small act adds up to a powerful movement.” The group’s efforts were based on prior demonstrations. Furthermore, the Political Revolution– a group that originally supported Senator Bernie Sanders, played a role.
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Major Events and Demonstrations Nationwide
There were protests in many U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Washington D.C. as well as New York City, Orlando (Florida), Lincoln, Nebraska. They brought to light specific issues within various communities.
Around 1,000 Bostonians braved freezing temperatures to march to City Hall from the Statehouse, while chanting slogans including “Elon must be gone.” Some protesters wore Revolutionary War attire and held signs with sentiments including “This Is a Coup,” or “Cowards Bowed to Trump. Patriots Rise Up.”
A Washington, D.C. anti-Trump protester was arrested after he allegedly painted blue on a counterprotester with a MAGA cap near the Capitol Building. The incident was a reminder of the tensions that surrounded the protests taking place in Washington D.C. on the National Mall.
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One of the D.C. activists holding up signs saying “No Kings” was a federal worker who chose to remain anonymous for reasons related to his job. The sign of this individual read: “Federal employees don’t work for Kings”, capturing protest sentiment.
At the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona hundreds of people gathered to express their opposition against fascism. Protesters were unable to gain entry into an Arizona Senate hearing on legislation that would mandate state support of federal immigration policy.
Protests in coordination addressed a variety of topics, such as the immigration policies under former Trump’s administration, future potential changes to policy that might repeal trans protections and Elon Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX decisions, which led to layoffs and could have been interpreted as federal budget cuts.
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Reactions & Statements
Elizabeth Warren, Senator, commented via X on the protests, stating that “Presidents do not rule.” And we are not powerless… I will keep fighting.”
Emily Manning (55) a protester in Boston told the Associated Press that she felt “it was important” to attend the rally on Presidents Day and show her support for the values of America. American values do not belong to the few, wealthy and plutocratic people.
Phoenix protest leader December Archer emphasized that it was important to maintain a respectable demeanor. She said, “We want to keep everything civil, and we are here to make an impact, but not to become the one making the impression.”
Benny Johnson, a conservative commentator, described what he called leftists dragging effigies of President Trump dressed in prison clothing, and calling them inciters to violence.
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Coming Events
50501 Movement announced further demonstrations including “A Day Without a Vis”, on February 20 and a protest in Congressman Tom McClintock’s Modesto office, California, on February 24. This indicates the continued activism as a response to economic and political concerns with an emphasis placed on organizing protests and protests against layoffs and federal cuts.