Amidst the fervor of a demonstration against the Trump administration on Saturday in Miami, Paul Ivanov’s voice rises, filled with passion and urgency. AP/Lyne Sladky
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In an effort to capitalize on what they claim is rising opposition to anti-democratic practices, protesters gathered in cities throughout the United States on Saturday to voice their opposition to the Trump administration.
This weekend, hundreds of anti-Trump demonstrations, marches, and other activities are happening in American cities.
Hundreds of demonstrators demonstrated against the Trump administration on Saturday morning in Lafayette Square outside the White House in Washington, D.C. The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the administration’s efforts to reduce financing for research and higher education were among the many issues raised by protesters.
Baltimore resident Heather Sarandos (C) vociferously displays a sign at Saturday’s anti-Trump protest in Washington. D.C. Bartkowski, Kayla/Getty Images obscures the caption
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On Friday, Michelle Willis, a paraeducator from New Bedford, Massachusetts, and her two kids took a car trip to Washington, D.C.
“We must articulate our concerns, assert our positions, and maintain public enthusiasm,” she said.
Willis, who is worried about mass deportations and school budget cutbacks, said she has attended six demonstrations since Trump took office. She intends to continue to appear.
Demonstrators gathered outside the New York Public Library. Getty Images/Adam Gray hide the caption
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Getty Images/Adam Gray
“When I“Upon my return home, I anticipate attending another rally, presumably next weekend,” said Willis.
From the New York Public Library into Central Park, protesters in New York City marched by Trump Tower, chanting in opposition to the deportations of immigrants.
A 61-year-old protester from Manhattan named Marshall Green expressed his deepest concern to the Associated Press over Trump’s use of the rarely-used Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to assert American military involvement with criminals in Venezuela.
Protesters in New York City rally with the slogan “Protect Migrants, Protect the Planet,” as a yellow cabbie waves a banner. Licensed by Getty Images picture credit: AFP user Kena Betancur hide caption
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Getty Images/Kena Betancur/AFP
“Congress should take the initiative to declare that we are not at war. “You can’t use that,” said Green, a Morristown, New Jersey native. “You cannot deport people without due process, and everyone in this country has the right to due process no matter what.”
On Saturday, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the Trump administration’s use of the statute to deport foreign nationals.
In Concord, Massachusetts, protesters held placards during a procession on Saturday commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Caption hidden by Michael Casey/AP
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Protesters demanding “no kings” gathered across the street from the federal courthouse in Lexington, Kentucky, for a demonstration.
A retired social studies teacher named Sioux Finney displayed a banner that said, “History cannot be whitewashed.” We are all part of America.
Finney stated, “I wish to emphasize that it is impossible to eradicate history.” “It is imperative that we advocate for those who are not being treated fairly.”
Some demonstrators thought that by participating, Democratic leaders would take notice.
In downtown Chicago, protesters assemble for the “day of action” demonstration. AFP/Kamill Krzaczynski via Getty Information conceal the caption
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AFP/Kamill Krzaczynski via Getty Information
Gerald Leahy joined around fifty protesters in downtown Milwaukee who were demonstrating on a freeway bridge. “Lost faith” in the Democratic Party, he remarked. “This guy has defeated them twice. It’s pitiful,” the 60-year-old said. “I think there needs to be a serious reboot of the party.”
Kim Jordan, 45, said she was disappointed by the Democratic Party’s lack of preparation to oppose Project 2025’s goals in front of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. According to her, it’s challenging to get people to vote for Democrats as many of them “feel that the party is not listening to them.”
The “no kings” march in Philadelphia, which attracted hundreds of demonstrators, cited the city’s status as the cradle of American democracy and the fact that the American Revolutionary War began 250 years ago on Saturday.
At Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts, reenactors representing British redcoat troops and colonial militia participate in the Battle Road event as demonstrators carry placards. Getty Images/Joseph Prezioso via AFP conceal the caption
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Getty Images/Joseph Prezioso via AFP
Signs denouncing the administration’s policies on immigration, education, and cutbacks to federal agencies including the Social Security Administration were carried by protesters during a demonstration in downtown Cincinnati.
One of the demonstrators marching toward a federal facility impacted by the budget cutbacks implemented by the Trump administration was Robin Wallace. This year, she added, was the first time she had ever protested.
“Rather than staying home and feeling hopeless, the only thing I could do was try and get with other people who feel like I do right now,” she said.
In Driggs, Idaho, protesters assemble against President Trump and his government. Behring, Natalie/Getty Images conceal the caption
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However, she is uncertain whether such marches will make a difference. “We’ve got everything stacked against us,” she said.
A grassroots initiative
The 50501 Movement, which positions itself as a decentralized network, coordinated a “day of action” that included many of the Saturday demonstrations. The group’s first statewide demonstration at state capitols is referenced in the name, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states and one movement.
On Saturday, organizers scheduled over 800 local protests, educational sessions, and mutual aid initiatives in response to what they characterize as “anti-democratic and unlawful actions of the Trump administration.”
During national demonstrations against the Trump administration, protesters march through Washington, D.C. NPR’s Pierre Kattar conceals the caption
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There was no response to the request for a comment from the White House that was made by NPR.
There are a number of anti-Trump groups, including the 50501 Movement, which has organized demonstrations since early February. Organizers of the “Tesla Takedown” movement said that over 100 rallies will take place this weekend. The prominent role that Tesla CEO Elon Musk played in the Trump administration is being protested by that group.
“Tesla Takedown rallies and other similar efforts are part of the same decentralized movement,” says Hunter Dunn, the 50501 Movement’s national publicity coordinator. Dunn said the broad endeavor includes any demonstration that follows four principles.
“We’re pro-democracy, we’re in favor of preserving the Constitution, we’re against executive overreach, and we’re non-violent,” he said.
Although the April 5 “Hands Off!” rallies were advertised as a day of demonstrations, Saturday expanded the opposition movement to include activities aimed at the local community.
“Hands off” is written on a placard held by a demonstrator in New York City. The protests were planned to oppose the Trump administration’s “hostile government takeover” throughout the country, according to the organizers. Getty Images/Adam Gray conceal the caption
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Getty Images/Adam Gray
Dunn said, “The focus is on initiatives that bolster your community in opposition to the Trump administration, thereby fortifying it to withstand these attacks on democracy.”
For instance, food drives were organized in Southern California to help individuals who are still struggling from the wildfires in January and others who could be impacted by the increased cost of products due to President Trump’s tariffs.
Dunn said, “Resistance encompasses more than mere protest.” “It pertains to fortifying your community to withstand these attacks on democracy and to prepare for a more promising future for all.”
It is said that the 50501 movement has developed substantially after its first call to action. More than eighty demonstrations were held in eighty-eight locations around the country on February 5, as reported by the group.
During worldwide demonstrations against the Trump administration, demonstrators gather close to the White House. Getty Images/AFP/Richard Pierrin conceal the caption
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Similarly, organizers of the 11th week of the Tesla Takedown demonstrations claim that the movement hasn’t slowed and that they regularly see 150 activities per week throughout the world.
According to David Karpf, an assistant professor of political communication at George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, “in normal times,” having a variety of identities and topics for demonstrations may typically harm a movement.
However, he said that these times are unusual. As a consequence of the Trump administration’s weekly barrage of contentious measures, opponents have responded with a barrage of messages.
Karpf said, “It is somewhat acceptable to hold another rally each weekend featuring individuals expressing grievances about Tesla, as well as those lamenting reductions in cancer research funding.” “They are not all articulating a singular, straightforward demand to the political elites.” There is increased public outrage expressing, “No one endorsed this.”