Washington, D.C. – On Saturday, April 19, 2025, tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets in cities and towns across the United States, marking the second wave of protests this month against President Donald Trump’s second term. From Washington, D.C., to Portland, Oregon, and from New York City to small towns in Kentucky and Tennessee, demonstrators voiced concerns over what they perceive as threats to democratic ideals under the Trump administration. The protests, loosely coordinated by the grassroots group 50501, aim to galvanize opposition into a sustained movement with an eye toward future electoral impact.
A Nationwide Movement
By early afternoon, large-scale demonstrations were underway in major urban centers, including Washington, New York, and Chicago, with additional rallies reported in states such as Rhode Island, Maryland, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Ohio, California, and Pennsylvania. Americans abroad also joined the cause, with protests noted in Dublin, Ireland, and other international cities. More than 400 rallies were planned nationwide, most organized under the banner of 50501, a group whose name signifies “50 protests in 50 states, one movement.”
The demonstrations varied in focus but were unified by a shared opposition to Trump’s policies and leadership style. In midtown Manhattan, a massive march drew thousands, while in Concord, Massachusetts, protesters gathered at a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War’s start, holding signs reading, “It’s Our Turn to Fight Tyranny” and “The Fascists Are Coming, The Fascists Are Coming.” In Washington, D.C., rallies took place in Franklin Park and near the Washington Monument, with some protesters marching in support of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man recently deported from Maryland.
Voices from the Crowd
Protesters articulated a range of grievances, from fears of authoritarianism to concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions. In Jacksonville, Florida, demonstrator Sara Harvey told The New York Times, “We are losing our country. I’m worried for my grandchildren. I do it for them.” In Massachusetts, 80-year-old retired mason Thomas Bassford spoke to CBS News, expressing alarm at the state of governance: “This is a very perilous time in America for liberty. Sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
The protests reflect a broader anxiety about the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership, particularly following his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Organizers highlighted specific concerns, including the administration’s efforts to restructure government agencies through initiatives led by tech billionaire Elon Musk and his unofficial “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) unit.
Organizing for Change
Saturday’s rallies mark the fourth protest event staged by 50501 since Trump’s inauguration. Previous demonstrations included a “No Kings Day” event on February 17, 2025, which took place before Trump referred to himself as a “king” in a social media post. The group has set an ambitious goal of mobilizing 11 million participants—roughly 3.5% of the U.S. population—in this latest wave, a figure that would surpass the 1,200 “Hands Off” rallies held on April 5, 2025, organized by the progressive group Indivisible to oppose Trump’s institutional reforms.
Heather Dunn, a spokesperson for 50501, described the group’s mission to The Washington Post: “We are a pro-democracy, pro-constitution, anti-executive overreach, nonviolent grassroots movement.” She emphasized its nonpartisan nature, noting, “We have registered Democrats, registered independents, and registered Republicans all marching because they all believe in America, because they all believe in a fair government that puts people before profits.”
A Strategy to Counter Authoritarianism
The protests come amid warnings from academics about the risks of democratic backsliding. Steven Levitsky, a Harvard University political scientist and co-author of How Democracies Die, told reporters that protests are a critical component of resisting authoritarian trends. “Oppositions to authoritarian governments have to use multiple channels always,” Levitsky said. “They have to use the courts where those are available. They have to use the ballot box when that’s available, and they have to use the streets when necessary—that can shape media framing and media discourse, which is very, very important.”
Indivisible, which played a key role in the April 5 protests, echoed this sentiment, stating that the demonstrations aim to send a clear message to opposition politicians and voters about the need for vocal resistance. The group is also focused on building momentum for larger protests in the future, with an emphasis on translating public discontent into electoral action.
Local and Symbolic Actions
In Washington, D.C., protests took on symbolic significance. A 50501-organized rally in Franklin Park coincided with demonstrations outside the residence of Vice President JD Vance at the Washington Naval Observatory, led by a local Indivisible chapter. Other protesters gathered near the Washington Monument to advocate for Kilmar Ábrego García, highlighting immigration as a key issue for many demonstrators.
The geographic and thematic diversity of the protests underscores the broad coalition opposing Trump’s agenda, which includes concerns over government efficiency reforms, immigration policies, and perceived threats to judicial and institutional independence.
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