Thousands of protesters assembled in various cities throughout the United States on Wednesday to voice their opposition to the initial actions of the Trump administration. They expressed their discontent regarding issues such as the president’s stringent immigration policies, the reversal of transgender rights, and a controversial proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Demonstrators in Philadelphia, as well as at state capitols in Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, and other locations, displayed signs criticizing President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk—who heads Trump’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency—and Project 2025, a far-right agenda for American governance and society.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport! Take action,” proclaimed a sign raised by one participant in Philadelphia.
These protests emerged from a grassroots movement that has mobilized online under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which signifies 50 protests across 50 states in a single day. Various websites and social media accounts called for participation, promoting messages such as “reject fascism” and “defend our democracy.”
In Lansing, Michigan, approximately 1,000 individuals gathered outside the state capitol despite the frigid temperatures.
In Columbus, Ohio, protesters outside the Statehouse shouted, “Wake up, USA! Stop the coup that’s underway!”
“I’m appalled by democracy’s changes in the last, well, specifically two weeks — but it started a long time ago,” said Margaret Wilmeth, a self-described senior citizen from Columbus. “So I’m just trying to put a presence into resistance.”
In Alabama, a crowd of several hundred individuals assembled outside the Statehouse to express their opposition to both state and federal measures aimed at the LGBTQ+ community.
On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama announced her intention to endorse legislation that asserts the existence of only two sexes, male and female, mirroring a recent executive order from President Trump that articulates the same position for the federal government.
“The president believes he wields significant authority,” remarked Rev. Julie Conrady, a minister of the Unitarian Universalist faith, addressing the audience. “However, he lacks the authority to dictate your gender.
“He does not possess the power to define your identity.”