Thousands took to the streets across the United States on Saturday, participating in protests aimed at expressing discontent with recent actions by President Donald Trump. The demonstrations, titled "50501" to represent "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement," were intentionally scheduled to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
Venues for the protests included areas outside the White House, Tesla dealerships, and downtowns of major cities, where participants raised various issues. Many demonstrators specifically demanded the repatriation of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was incorrectly deported to El Salvador.
Political protests have become increasingly prevalent in the US, with larger crowds attending events like the "Hands Off" protests earlier this month, as public opinion polls indicate a decline in Trump's approval ratings. Outside the White House, Gihad Elgendy voiced his concerns over García's deportation, asserting that the president could pressure El Salvador to facilitate his return.
While the protests were generally peaceful, some tensions arose; Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam posted a video on social media showing a confrontation with a man holding a Trump sign.
Demonstrators frequently carried signs stating "No Kings," reflecting the revolutionary theme marking this historic anniversary. In Massachusetts, similar signs were seen at commemorative events recognizing the battles of Lexington and Concord and Paul Revere's famous ride, with Boston hosting its own "50501" protest concurrently.
"This is a very perilous time in America for liberty," remarked Thomas Bassford, who joined the Boston rally with his family. He aimed to educate his grandchildren about America's origins and the necessity of fighting for freedom.
Recent polling from Gallup indicates that 45% of voters approved of Trump's performance during his first quarter, showing a slight rise from his previous administration; however, this figure is significantly lower than the 60% average for newly elected presidents from 1952 to 2020. Trump's approval rating has declined further in recent months, particularly regarding economic performance, as only 37% of respondents in a recent poll expressed satisfaction with his handling of economic issues. Earlier this month, a major wave of protests took place, representing the largest nationwide opposition since Trump's return to the presidency, with gatherings occurring at 1,200 locations across all 50 states.
