From Washington, DC to San Francisco, thousands of protesters once again took to the streets, chanting 'shame,' holding placards, and rallying against President Trump and his policies, including demonstrations in front of the White House.
The rallies were marked by a deep sense of urgency, anger, and fear as protesters denounced what they described as civil rights violations, executive overreach, and authoritarian tendencies under President Donald Trump.
The demonstrations reflected a sustained resistance to his leadership just two weeks after mass protests took place in cities and towns across the nation.
Although the number of protesters in cities like New York and Chicago was smaller compared to the turnout on April 5, demonstrations still drew significant crowds with more than 700 protests organized across country according to advocacy group 50501.
Demonstrations stretched from Jacksonville, Florida, all the way to Anchorage, Alaska, reflecting one of the most widespread waves of protest since Donald Trump reemerged in national politics.
In Washington, several thousand people took to the streets on Saturday, fewer than the tens of thousands who marched earlier this month. Still, the energy on the ground was palpable.
Organizers confirmed hundreds of events were held nationwide, including in Los Angeles and cities across the Midwest. In New York, marchers packed 15 blocks along Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, signaling that the spirit of resistance remains very much alive.
Chants of 'Shame'
Chanting “Shame” and waving upside-down American flags, demonstrators expressed anger over his removal. In Washington DC, protesters gathered outside the White House and marched to the Department of Homeland Security, demanding justice for Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador even though a court had ruled he could stay in the United States.
“It feels like we are past the Constitution,” said Elena Rodriguez, a DC resident and immigration advocate. The crowd also shouted, “This is what democracy looks like” and “The people have all the power.”
Thousands more joined from the Washington Monument, marching along Constitution Avenue and calling on the administration to bring Kilmar back. Officials claimed he had ties to MS13, a claim his supporters strongly deny.
Protesters unite for LGBTQ+ rights
In Jacksonville, Florida, hundreds of protesters rallied against the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights and the weakening of environmental protections. Many voiced anger over changes to the Endangered Species Act and cuts to the Departments of Interior and Education.
“This isn’t just about one group,” said Sara Harvey, holding a rainbow flag and a sea turtle cutout. “They are stripping away protections for both people and the planet.” Protesters also criticized President Trump’s close ties with business figures like Elon Musk, blaming them for prioritizing profit over public welfare.
Musk's Tesla targeted in protests
In several rallies, protesters specifically targeted Tesla dealerships and SpaceX offices, drawing a symbolic connection between Elon Musk and President Trump’s push for a smaller federal government.
In Austin, Texas, and Palo Alto, California, demonstrators criticized Musk for supporting federal cuts that led to job losses in sectors like education, science, and public welfare. “He’s using his influence while people are losing their jobs,” said Tanya Boon, a former EPA employee.
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