Written by David Whitmore.
Protests are set to take place in multiple major cities across the U.S. this Monday, coinciding with Presidents Day. Activists behind these demonstrations are rallying under the banner of the 50501 Movement, which stands for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.” Their aim is to push back against what they see as anti-democratic actions by the Trump administration.
This is the second time the group has organized a large-scale protest. Their first nationwide event was on February 5, and while it didn’t attract the massive crowds seen in the Women’s March back in 2017, thousands still showed up in different cities and state capitols to make their voices heard.
Who’s Behind the Protests?
The 50501 Movement was born on Reddit, first introduced by a user named Evolved_Fungi in late January. The idea caught on fast, spreading across social media and drawing attention from activists and political groups. Sydney Wilson, one of the organizers based in Pittsburgh, says that Presidents Day is the perfect time for these demonstrations.
“We’re protesting because we’re deeply concerned about the direction this administration is taking,” Wilson explains. “And holding it on a day meant to honor presidents seemed like the right moment to make our point.”
At the heart of their concerns are recent executive orders signed by Trump, as well as the involvement of Elon Musk, who has been leading an initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency. Critics argue that these moves are undermining federal government agencies and eroding protections for marginalized groups.
What Protesters Want
The protesters are demanding three key things: Trump’s impeachment, an investigation into Elon Musk’s influence on government policy, and the reinstatement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that have been rescinded by executive orders.
Wilson says the group is especially alarmed by Musk’s level of access and power.
“We have a private citizen exerting an unprecedented amount of influence over federal decisions, and that should concern everyone, no matter their political beliefs,” she says.
The protests are also taking aim at Trump’s appointees, particularly those associated with Project 2025. Russell Vought, who is one of the main architects of this conservative initiative, is a top target for scrutiny.
More Protests to Come
This movement isn’t stopping anytime soon. The 50501 organizers have made it clear that Monday’s protests are just another step in their broader strategy to push back against Trump’s policies. They’re working alongside Political Revolution, a group that emerged after Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, and say they have no affiliation with any political party.
“This administration is more focused on enriching the powerful than serving the people,” the group stated. “We refuse to sit by while they strip away rights and undermine democracy. We are not just statistics. We are the People. We reject fascism, oligarchy, and the idea that some lives matter more than others.”
Support for the movement has surged on social media, with over 102,000 members on their Reddit page and another 7,000 on Discord. Even well-known organizations like Smart Girls, founded by actress Amy Poehler and producer Meredith Walker, have helped promote the upcoming protests.
Local Democratic lawmakers have also joined in. During the February 5 protests, Michigan state House Democrats stood alongside demonstrators at their state capitol.
Our Take
The fact that protests of this scale are becoming so frequent is a troubling sign. Rather than fostering unity, these events are fueling political division and making it even harder for Americans to find common ground.
The focus on removing Trump and investigating Elon Musk seems more about political vengeance than genuine concern for democracy. Musk, for all his faults, is not an elected official, yet he’s being painted as some kind of shadow dictator. Meanwhile, the push to reinstate DEI policies raises questions about whether the movement is really about fairness or just another attempt to enforce ideological conformity.
At the end of the day, protests alone don’t solve problems. Real change happens through elections, policy debates, and grassroots engagement that includes all Americans—not just the loudest voices in the room.
