Washington: Demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the United States on Wednesday, rallying against President Donald Trump’s latest policies on immigration, transgender rights, and a controversial proposal related to Palestinians in Gaza.
In Austin, Texas, hundreds of protesters marched near the State Capitol, chanting slogans such as “This is what democracy looks like” while holding signs opposing the administration’s agenda. Similar demonstrations erupted in Philadelphia and at state capitols in California, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and other locations.
Among the targets of protesters’ frustration were Trump, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, and Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government. The movement behind the nationwide protests gained momentum online under the hashtags #BuildTheResistance and #50501, symbolizing coordinated demonstrations in all 50 states on the same day. Social media platforms and activist websites urged Americans to rally in defense of democracy and against what they called the administration’s “authoritarian” measures.
In Jefferson City, Missouri, demonstrators gathered outside the state Capitol with signs criticizing Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal agency. One placard read, “DOGE is not legit,” while another questioned, “Why does Elon have your Social Security info???”
Concerns over DOGE’s involvement in government payment systems, including Social Security and Medicare, have sparked debate among lawmakers. Some fear that giving the agency access to financial data could pose security risks or disrupt benefit payments. A Treasury Department official, however, clarified that a tech executive working with DOGE would only have “read-only access” to sensitive information.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has issued a series of executive orders impacting trade, immigration, and climate policies. As opposition grows, protests have become increasingly frequent, with Democrats and progressive groups mobilizing to challenge his administration’s agenda.
