On Saturday, people across the United States took to the streets to protest recent actions by President Donald Trump. The movement, called “50501” to represent 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement, marked the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War’s start. From big cities to small towns, demonstrators gathered peacefully to call for change and show unity.
Marchers assembled in key locations, including outside Tesla showrooms, near the White House, and in city centers across the country. Their main demand: justice for Kilmar Ábrego García, a man deported to El Salvador in what many believe was a wrongful decision.
Ábrego García’s Case Sparks Outrage
One of the central concerns of Saturday’s protests was the case of Kilmar Ábrego García. His deportation to El Salvador drew strong reactions from advocacy groups, immigration lawyers, and the public. Protesters across the country held up signs and chanted for his return.
At the White House protest, Gihad Elgendy spoke out, saying, “President Trump has the power to push for Kilmar’s return. We need action now.”
Elgendy’s view reflects a growing call for the government to reexamine recent immigration cases and show compassion, especially in controversial deportations.
“No Kings”: Protesters Revive Revolutionary Themes
Many protest signs read “No Kings”, linking today’s concerns with America’s past struggles for freedom. This message was especially strong in Massachusetts, where protesters joined local events marking the battles of Lexington and Concord and honoring Paul Revere’s ride.
In Boston, Thomas Bassford brought his grandchildren to the protest. “I want them to understand that liberty takes effort. Sometimes, we need to stand up,” he said.
Events in Boston were peaceful, with families, veterans, and students coming together in support of democracy.
Public Opinion Divided on Trump’s Second Term
According to recent Gallup data, 45% of Americans support Trump’s performance in the first part of his new term. That’s slightly better than the 41% approval rating he had at the same point in his first term.
However, his numbers still fall short of the 60% historical average for U.S. presidents during their first quarter in office.
A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that support for Trump has fallen from 47% on Inauguration Day to 43% today. Approval of his handling of the economy also declined, now standing at just 37%.
These drops may reflect growing concerns about rising costs, shrinking public jobs, and uncertainty in the job market.
Budget Cuts Under Fire
Protesters also targeted Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a project that aims to reduce public spending by cutting government jobs. Critics say these moves hurt working families and weaken vital services.
At many protests, speakers highlighted the human cost of these cuts. Some read statements from workers who lost jobs or benefits. Others handed out flyers calling for more transparency and fairness in future decisions.
A Wave of Civic Action
Saturday’s protests followed an even larger wave of demonstrations earlier this month. That earlier movement included actions in 1,200 locations across all 50 states, making it one of the biggest protest events in recent U.S. history.
The 50501 movement continues to gain attention online, with hashtags like #50501Protest and #JusticeForKilmar trending across platforms.
Social media also captured tense moments, including a viral clip of a Trump supporter pushing through a crowd to confront Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam. Still, most of the protests remained peaceful, with police praising organizers for helping keep things calm.
As the U.S. marks 250 years since the start of its fight for freedom, many see the current wave of protests as part of that same spirit. Protesters say they are not fighting against the country—but for it.
Their message is clear: Americans have the right to be heard, to question leaders, and to call for justice when they believe something is wrong.