On February 5, 2025, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the United States to protest against the policies of President Donald Trump’s second administration. These protests were part of a coordinated movement called 50501, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states in 1 day.

Organized largely through social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok, the movement brought together over 72,000 people in 67 different protests across 40 states within just two weeks.

Protesters voiced their anger and frustration over several early actions taken by the Trump administration, including mass deportations, cuts to USAID funding, and policies affecting LGBTQ+ rights. The demonstrations remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or police interference, according to the movement’s organizers.

The Key Issues Behind the Protests

Protesters were rallying against several major decisions taken by the administration in its first month in office. Some of the key issues that fueled the demonstrations included:

Immigration Crackdown and Mass Deportations

One of the most controversial actions of Trump’s new term has been mass deportations targeting undocumented immigrants. Immigration enforcement raids have been reported in several states, leaving thousands of families fearing separation. Activists argue that these policies are inhumane and that the administration is ignoring pathways for legal immigration and asylum seekers.

Cuts to USAID and International Aid

The Trump administration has also moved forward with reducing foreign aid programs, particularly those under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Critics argue that these cuts harm global humanitarian efforts, affecting communities in developing countries that rely on U.S. assistance. Protesters believe that reducing international aid weakens America’s global leadership and damages its relationships with allies.

Rollback of LGBTQ+ Rights

Another significant point of contention is the administration’s efforts to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender rights. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns over policies that could restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, military service, and legal protections for transgender people. This has led to widespread outcry from human rights organizations and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Project 2025 Controversy

Many protesters also targeted Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda developed by a coalition of right-wing organizations. The project, which aims to reshape the federal government and remove progressive policies put in place by previous administrations, has been widely criticized by liberal activists.

Though Trump has publicly stated that he has no connection to Project 2025, many of his supporters align with its goals. Protesters fear that the policies outlined in the project could threaten civil rights, environmental protections, and social welfare programs.

How the Protests Were Organized

The 50501 movement was largely organized through Reddit, TikTok, and online forums. The campaign first gained momentum on a subreddit called r/50501, where users planned protests, created promotional materials, and coordinated efforts across multiple cities.

The movement’s official website, BuildTheResistance.org, was crowdfunded by activists and provided protest locations, printable signs, and guidelines for peaceful demonstrations. Participants used hashtags like #buildtheresistance and #50501 to spread awareness and encourage others to join the protests.

Reactions from Political Leaders

The Trump administration has not officially responded to the protests, but some Republican lawmakers have dismissed the demonstrations, calling them “leftist activism” and accusing organizers of spreading misinformation. On the other hand, Democratic leaders and progressive groups have expressed support for the protests, praising them as a peaceful show of resistance against policies that many Americans oppose.

Jordan Taylor, a spokesperson for 50501, stated:

“These protests are about standing up for democracy, human rights, and the values we believe America should uphold. We won’t stop until our voices are heard.”

What’s Next for the 50501 Movement?

Following the success of the February 5 protests, the 50501 movement plans to continue organizing demonstrations against policies they believe are harmful to American democracy. Activists have already begun planning future protests in major cities and encouraging people to contact their local representatives to demand action on key issues.

As Trump’s second term unfolds, movements like 50501 are expected to remain active in resistingthey oppose, continuing to shape political discourse in the United States.