‘No Kings on Presidents Day’ Protests Target Trump and Musk \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Protesters braved freezing temperatures on Presidents Day to rally against Donald Trump’s administration and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency. Organized by the 50501 Movement, the “No Kings on Presidents Day” demonstrations drew thousands of participants nationwide, with major rallies in Boston, Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Seattle. Protesters denounced Trump’s executive orders, federal layoffs, and what they call an erosion of democracy.
Presidents Day Protests: Quick Looks
- Nationwide Protests Target Trump and Musk: Demonstrators across the U.S. rallied against Trump’s policies and Elon Musk’s role in the government.
- Boston Sees Major Turnout Despite Freezing Cold: Nearly 1,000 protesters marched from the Statehouse to City Hall, chanting “No kings on Presidents Day!”
- Washington, D.C. Protesters Call for Action: Signs reading “Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump” appeared near the White House, condemning billionaire influence in politics.
- 50501 Movement Leads ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations: The activist group organized protests in multiple cities, echoing earlier anti-Trump rallies on February 5.
- Protests Follow Trump’s Federal Layoffs: Demonstrations come days after mass job cuts in federal agencies under Trump’s government downsizing plan.
- Elon Musk Faces Backlash as Government Adviser: Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency drew heavy criticism for influencing federal spending cuts.
- Cold Weather Doesn’t Deter Activists: A polar vortex swept across the U.S., but protesters braved subzero temperatures to oppose Trump’s administration.
- More Demonstrations Expected in Coming Weeks: Organizers vow to continue resisting Trump’s policies, with more rallies planned ahead of the 2024 election.
Deep Look
Braving freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, thousands of protesters took to the streets on Presidents Day in demonstrations against Donald Trump’s administration and his controversial policies, including mass layoffs in federal agencies and the growing influence of billionaire adviser Elon Musk. The protests, organized by the 50501 Movement and dubbed “No Kings on Presidents Day,” followed similar rallies held on February 5, showing sustained resistance to what critics call Trump’s authoritarian overreach and plutocratic governance.
The largest protests were held in Boston, Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Seattle, with demonstrators voicing concerns over government downsizing, Musk’s role in the administration, and what they see as threats to democracy. In several locations, protesters dressed in Revolutionary War-style attire, waving signs that read “This is a Coup,” “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up,” and “Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump.”
Boston Protesters Brave Freezing Cold for March
One of the most striking demonstrations took place in Boston, where nearly 1,000 people marched through the snow from the Statehouse to City Hall, chanting anti-Trump and anti-Musk slogans. With temperatures below freezing and wind chills in the teens, the determination of the protesters was evident. Many carried signs evoking revolutionary ideals, comparing Trump’s governance to monarchy-like rule.
For some attendees, the rally was deeply personal. Emily Manning, 55, an engineer who marched with her two teenage sons, emphasized the importance of defending democratic values.
“I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for. American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.”
The Boston protest was just one of many taking place in state capitals and major cities, as citizens voiced their opposition to Trump’s economic policies and executive orders.
Washington, D.C. Protesters Condemn ‘Plutocratic Allies’
In Washington, D.C., demonstrators gathered near the White House, calling attention to Trump’s ties to Musk and their shared vision for a more corporatized, stripped-down government.
One sign that stood out read: “Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump.” Another, depicting Uncle Sam, read: “I Want You to Resist.”
Organizers in D.C. emphasized that their primary goal was to push back against Trump’s restructuring of the federal government, which has already led to mass layoffs and agency downsizing. Activists argued that these cuts undermine essential government functions, reducing oversight and services that protect working-class Americans.
“We are here today to stand against the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies,” said one organizer addressing the D.C. crowd.
Elon Musk’s Role Fuels Protester Outrage
A key point of contention in the Presidents Day protests was the appointment of Elon Musk as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, an external agency tasked with cutting federal spending. Critics argue that Musk’s involvement in government decision-making represents an alarming shift toward corporate influence in public policy.
Under Musk’s leadership, the Department of Government Efficiency has spearheaded cost-cutting initiatives, including eliminating programs in housing, environmental protection, and social services. Protesters believe these measures disproportionately harm marginalized communities, while benefiting wealthy elites and corporate interests.
The protest chants—“Elon Musk has got to go!”—reflected the growing resentment toward billionaires influencing government policies that directly impact millions of Americans.
Trump’s Federal Layoffs and Executive Orders Spark Backlash
The demonstrations come just days after widespread federal layoffs across multiple agencies, a move that Trump’s administration claims is necessary for government efficiency. However, opponents argue that these cuts weaken critical institutions and leave thousands of workers unemployed.
The mass job cuts, combined with Trump’s sweeping executive orders, have intensified fears that his administration is dismantling government oversight in favor of a corporate-driven agenda. The Presidents Day protests served as a direct response to these actions, with many activists emphasizing the impact on everyday Americans.
Protesters Defy Harsh Weather to Keep the Movement Alive
Despite a polar vortex sweeping across much of the country, participants remained resolute, demonstrating their commitment to resisting Trump’s policies.
The protests were particularly significant in cities experiencing record-low temperatures, where activists bundled up in heavy coats and scarves to ensure their voices were heard. Many vowed to continue organizing and resisting, saying that the fight against Trump’s policies is far from over.
“If we don’t stand up now, what kind of country will we leave for the next generation?” one protester remarked.
As Trump’s government restructuring continues, and more federal cuts loom, organizers say they plan to escalate their efforts in the coming months.
The 50501 Movement has already announced another nationwide protest planned for April, signaling that public opposition to Trump’s administration remains strong.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.