A national day of protest against President Donald Trump and his administration brought thousands of demonstrators together across the United States on Saturday, in open opposition to what they describe as a systematic attack on democratic institutions and civil liberties.
According to information published by CNN, more than 80 gatherings took place in front of state capitols, courthouses, and city halls across numerous states, as part of the demonstrations known as "50501," an acronym for "50 protests, 50 states, one movement".
Participants reported what they consider abuses of executive power, including deportations without due process, the dismantling of key federal agencies, and threats to higher education.
Moreover, the protests coincided with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American War of Independence, which the organizers took advantage of to draw symbolic parallels between the struggle for freedom in the 18th century and the defense of democracy today.
In Washington DC, thousands of people gathered in front of the White House, holding signs with slogans such as "The people will defeat Trump" and "The power of the people will overcome Trump's cruelty." They also gathered near the residence of Vice President J. D. Vance, who is currently in Rome, while Trump was at his golf club in Virginia.
According to information from Efe, one of the main complaints of the movement is the role played by the magnate Elon Musk within the government, who has advocated for federal cuts that have led to the closure of institutions and the dismissal of hundreds of workers. A sign reading “Fuck Musk” in the heart of Manhattan made this clear.
“They hate gays, they hate blacks, they hate Jews, they hate foreigners”, said a protester to Efe, while labeling the director of the Department of Government Efficiency as a “white supremacist in the U.S.”.
One of the main focal points of the protests was the rejection of the government's immigration policies, intensified amidst a recent decision by the Supreme Court to suspend deportations ordered by Trump under an 1798 law concerning "foreign enemies."
In front of the New York Public Library, just a few meters from Trump Tower, the protesters chanted “Immigrants are welcome here!”, in an event heavy with symbolism.
The banners with the name of Kilmar Abrego, the Salvadoran deported by mistake and held in the largest maximum-security prison in El Salvador, stood out among the crowd.
Many numerous criticisms were raised against the controversial Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), which Trump has proposed as a model for his prison policy. Many posters openly denounced it as "a concentration camp."
The mobilizations also include community activities such as food distribution, workshops, and vigils, reflecting a holistic approach to civic resistance.
These demonstrations fall under the "Hands Off!" movement or #HandsOff, in English, which emerged as a response to the policies implemented by Trump during his second term, particularly those related to cuts in social programs and the influence of billionaire Musk in the government.
On Saturday, April 5th, protests were organized in all 50 states and were supported by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ community advocates.
These protests represent one of the largest mobilizations of resistance since the beginning of Trump's second term, reflecting a growing public concern about the direction of federal policies and the influence of economic elites in governmental decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protests Against Trump in the U.S.
How many protests were held against Trump on April 19, 2025?
More than 700 protests took place across the United States on April 19, 2025. The demonstrations were part of a movement called "50501," which refers to "50 protests, 50 states, one movement." These protests reflect a widespread opposition to the Trump administration and its policies.
What was the main reason for the protests against Trump in the United States?
The protests focused on denouncing the abuses of the executive power under the Trump administration, including deportations without due process, the dismantling of federal agencies, and threats to higher education. Additionally, the protesters rejected Elon Musk's influence on the government, which has driven significant federal cuts.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to the protests in the United States?
The Cuban regime, through its Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, has praised the protests in the United States as an expression of democracy. However, this stance has been criticized for its hypocrisy, as in Cuba, demonstrations are suppressed and citizens cannot freely exercise their right to protest.
What role does Elon Musk play in Trump's government policies?
Elon Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency, where he has implemented austerity measures that have resulted in the closure of federal agencies and the layoffs of thousands of workers. His influence in the government has sparked controversy over the power of business leaders in U.S. public policy.
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