The United States is gearing up for its second major wave of protests against President Donald Trump, with an estimated 400 rallies scheduled across all 50 states this Saturday. The demonstrations are being organized by 50501, a grassroots activist collective whose name represents its mission: 50 protests in 50 states as one united voice.
According to The Guardian, this upcoming wave could eclipse the turnout from the group’s previous “Hands Off” protest on April 5, which saw participation from over 1,200 cities nationwide.
Washington DC at the Center of Action
In Washington DC, two major protests are scheduled to take place:
- Outside Vice President JD Vance’s residence at the Naval Observatory
- In Lafayette Square, near the White House
A symbolic march will also begin at the George Washington Monument, with demonstrators walking toward the White House. One of the causes being championed is justice for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who was wrongly deported despite having protected status in the US.
“We Stand for Democracy” – 50501 Spokesperson
Heather Dunn, spokesperson for 50501, emphasized that this is a nonpartisan and nonviolent movement that transcends political affiliations.
“We have registered Democrats, Republicans, and independents marching together because they all believe in America,” Dunn said. “We stand to protect democracy and oppose authoritarianism.”
She also criticized what the group sees as executive overreach and the dismantling of democratic institutions under Trump’s leadership.
Who’s Behind the DOGE Unit?
The protest movement also indirectly takes aim at Trump’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE unit, a group reportedly led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Critics say the DOGE unit has played a role in gutting public institutions in the name of efficiency.
11 Million Protesters Expected
Organizers are calling for 11 million Americans—about 3.5% of the US population—to join this weekend’s protests. If the turnout matches expectations, it will surpass all previous demonstrations during Trump’s presidency.
