Across the United States, a significant wave of protests is anticipated this Saturday, organized by the group 50501, as demonstrators voice their opposition to the policies of Donald Trump's administration and the influence of figures like Elon Musk. Organizers predict that these "Hands Off" demonstrations will draw substantial crowds, potentially exceeding previous protest numbers.
The 50501 Movement, named to represent "50 protests in 50 states, one movement," has scheduled over 400 rallies nationwide. This marks the fourth major protest event orchestrated by the group since Trump's inauguration in January. Earlier demonstrations included a "No Kings Day" protest on President's Day, February 17th, a theme chosen before President Trump's self-referential "king" remark on social media.
These demonstrations follow the "Hands Off" rallies on April 5th, where 1,200 protests took place to oppose what organizers describe as the Trump administration's attacks on government agencies and institutions, allegedly spearheaded by Elon Musk and his "department of government efficiency" unit. Indivisible, a progressive movement involved in the "Hands Off" events, aims to demonstrate widespread resistance to Trump's agenda.
Heather Dunn, a spokesperson for 50501, articulated that the purpose of Saturday's protests is to "protect democracy against the rise of authoritarianism" under the current administration. She emphasized the movement as "pro-democracy, pro-constitution, anti-executive overreach, nonviolent grassroots," and notably nonpartisan, encompassing registered Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
Organizers are aiming for a massive turnout, estimating 11 million participants across the country. This ambitious figure, representing 3.5% of the US population, would signify a significant escalation in protest activity. In Washington D.C., protests are planned at various locations, including Vice-President JD Vance's residence and Lafayette Square, with a march towards the White House to advocate for Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man wrongly deported from Maryland.
The 50501 movement is not alone in organizing anti-administration actions. The "Tesla Takedown" campaign, protesting Elon Musk's influential role, is also expected to hold over 100 protests this weekend. Hunter Dunne, from the 50501 Movement, indicated that these various efforts are part of a broader, decentralized resistance based on shared principles of pro-democracy, constitutional preservation, opposition to executive overreach, and non-violence.
Beyond traditional protests, the 50501 movement is incorporating community-focused initiatives. In Southern California, for instance, food drives are being organized to support wildfire victims and those impacted by rising prices due to President Trump's tariffs. This shift reflects a strategy of strengthening communities as a form of resistance against perceived assaults on democracy.
Political scientists who study democratic backsliding, such as Steven Levitsky of Harvard University, suggest that protests are an important component of a broader strategy to counter authoritarian trends. Levitsky notes that "oppositions to authoritarian governments" must utilize multiple avenues, including courts, ballots, and public demonstrations, to shape media narratives and discourse effectively.