Protesters gathered in various cities across the United States to protest against the initial actions of President Donald Trump's administration. The protests were in response to the crackdown on immigration, the reversal of rights for transgender individuals, and the proposed forced transfer of Palestinians from Gaza.
In Atlanta, they marched from Centennial Olympic Park to the Georgia State Capitol, while in Sacramento, California, they gathered in front of the Democrat-controlled Legislature. In Denver, the protests coincided with nearby operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and several people were detained.
At the different protests, participants waved signs denouncing Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, head of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, and Project 2025, a far-right manual for American society. Laura Wilde, a former public school therapist, expressed: "We need to show strength."
Criticism was also directed at Musk and his involvement in Trump's government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Many protesters felt that the DOGE was not legitimate and expressed their fear about its influence on the government. Catie Miglietti from Michigan highlighted concerns about Musk's access to data from the Department of the Treasury.
In Alabama, hundreds gathered outside the State Capitol to protest actions targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey had pledged to sign legislation recognizing only two sexes, male and female, in line with a recent executive order by Trump.
The protests were part of an organized movement online under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, representing 50 protests in 50 states in a single day. Protesters expressed their resistance to the executive orders signed by Trump and their opposition to the new administration's agenda. The protests multiplied as Democrats raised their voices against Trump's actions.
