Protests Against Trump Draw Thousands Across the U.S

Thousands of individuals on Saturday across the United States gathered to protest against recent actions taken by President Donald Trump.

Referred to as “50501,” symbolizing “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement,” these demonstrations were strategically planned to align with the 250th anniversary of the commencement of the American Revolutionary War.

Protests occurred in various locations, including outside the White House and Tesla dealerships, as well as in the heart of numerous cities, where participants voiced a range of concerns. A significant number of protesters demanded the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was erroneously deported to El Salvador.

Political demonstrations are increasingly prevalent in the United States; for instance, the “Hands Off” protests in early April attracted tens of thousands of participants nationwide.

Recent polling data from Gallup indicates that 45% of voters approve of Trump’s performance during the first quarter of his term, surpassing the 41% approval rating from the same timeframe in his initial administration.

However, this figure remains below the average first-quarter approval rating of 60% for all presidents elected between 1952 and 2020.

The protests on Saturday highlighted various actions taken by Trump, including initiatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), aimed at reducing government jobs and expenditures, as well as the administration’s reluctance to facilitate the return of Ábrego García, a Salvadoran citizen.

Gihad Elgendy shared with CNN that he participated in the protest at the White House to denounce the deportation of Ábrego García, asserting that Trump “could easily exert pressure on El Salvador to secure his return.”

Overall, the protests were reported to be largely peaceful, although Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, shared a video on X showing a man with a Trump sign aggressively confronting him while pushing through the crowd.

Many protesters carried signs that read “No Kings,” referencing the anniversary of the nation’s revolution against British rule.

During the anniversary celebrations in Massachusetts honoring the battles of Lexington and Concord, as well as Paul Revere’s renowned midnight ride, attendees displayed similar signs. Additionally, a demonstration identified as 50501 took place in Boston on Saturday.

“This is a very dangerous time for liberty in America,” stated Thomas Bassford to the Associated Press while in Boston with his partner, daughter, and two grandsons. “I wanted the boys to understand the foundations of this country and that at times, we must fight for our freedom.”

Trump’s approval ratings seem to be declining, particularly regarding economic issues. Upon assuming office in January, his approval stood at 47%, as reported by Gallup.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated a decrease in his approval rating to 43%, down from 47% on Inauguration Day. Furthermore, only 37% of respondents expressed approval of his economic performance, a drop from 42% at the time of his inauguration.

Earlier this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans participated in the largest nationwide demonstration against Trump since his return to the White House.

These protests, which surpassed the size of Saturday’s event, occurred in 1,200 locations across all 50 states.