On Saturday, Washington, D.C., and more than 700 cities from New York to Seattle joined the 50501 movement—50 protests in all 50 states in one day—drawing thousands to challenge President Trump's policies on deportations, mass firings and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Outside the White House, protesters carried banners that read “Workers should have the power,” “Stop arming Israel,” and “Due process.” Some chanted in support of migrants facing deportation and voiced solidarity with federal workers and universities threatened by funding cuts.
In Lafayette Square, one demonstrator declared, “As Trump and his administration mobilize the U.S. deportation machine, we are going to organize networks of resistance to defend our neighbors.”
Elsewhere on the National Mall, protesters waved Palestinian flags and keffiyeh scarves, chanting “Free Palestine,” while separate groups displayed symbols supporting Ukraine, urging Washington to take a tougher stance against Russia's offensive.
Since his January inauguration, Trump and Elon Musk have reshaped the federal workforce—over 200,000 jobs cut and multiple agencies targeted—while detaining foreign students and threatening to revoke funding for diversity, climate and pro-Palestinian programs.
The 50501 campaign also sparked community-led actions. Outside Tesla dealerships, activists protested Elon Musk's role in government downsizing, and mutual aid stations popped up in D.C., collecting food, baby products and hygiene supplies. A local flier read, “Mutual aid is how we resist. Mutual aid is how we win.”
From coast to coast, banners proclaimed, “Hate never made any nation great” and “Equal rights for all does not mean less rights for you.” As the day closed, organizers vowed that this moment of unity and resistance was just the beginning.
By tapping into social media with hashtags like #50501Protests and #StopExecutiveOverreach, the movement forged connections across borders, inviting global citizens to join the cause.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
