Gaza War, Deportations Spark Anti-Trump Protests in US
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across the US on Saturday to rally against the US President Donald Trump’s policies on several issues, including deportations, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and government layoffs.
The protests were part of the “50501” demonstrations (50 protests, 50 states, one movement). They follow the “Hands Off!” protests in early April, when tens of thousands of protesters swept the streets of US cities to voice opposition to Trump and Elon Musk.
Message of Opposition
On Saturday, large rallies took place across American cities and towns, including in Washington, New York, Chicago, Rhode Island, Maryland, Wisconsin, Tennessee, South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, California and Pennsylvania, among others. The protest organizers aim to mobilize a mass movement against Trump’s policies, which will result in an action at the ballot box.
The 50501 movement planned over 400 rallies in coincidence with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War, according to the Guardian. The movement said it seeks to send a message of opposition to politicians and American voters that it is necessary to speak out against Trump’s policies.
The goal of Saturday’s protests was “to protect our democracy against the rise of authoritarianism under the Trump administration,” the spokesperson for the 50501, Heather Dunn, said. The protest organizers have urged 11 million people to take part in the rallies, accounting for 3.5% of the American population.
Trump’s Policies
The movement, which describes itself as a nonpartisan “pro-democracy, pro-constitution, anti-executive overreach, nonviolent grassroots movement,” has called the American people to rally against what they called Trump’s “relentless assault on democratic institutions and civil liberties.”
Speaking to CNN, one of the 50501’s national coordinators, Sarah Parker, said: “We are sending a clear and urgent message to the country and to those in power: the people are paying attention, we are organizing, and we will not accept authoritarian overreach, fascist policy, or the dismantling of our rights under the Constitution.”
She added that the Trump administration’s “continued targeting of marginalized communities, the criminalization of dissent, and the erosion of civil liberties demand a response — and this is ours.”
Protesters voiced their opposition to Trump’s policies on many issues, most notably deportations and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, according to Reuters. Several footages showed demonstrators outside the White House protesting in support of migrants whom the administration deported or tries to deport. They also showed solidarity with employees fired from federal government and universities which face threats of funding cuts.
Moreover, demonstrators appeared with banners carrying slogans such as “Workers should have the power,” “No kingship,” and “Stop arming Israel.” Other protesters expressed solidarity with Palestinians killed in Gaza, waving Palestinian flags. They chanted “Free Palestine” while wearing keffiyeh scarves.
Some of the protesters also expressed their support for Ukraine, urging the Trump administration to take a more decisive action regarding the war in Ukraine.
Controversial Actions
Since assuming office in January 2025, Trump and his billionaire ally, the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla and social media platform X, Elon Musk, have sparked controversy with a wave of executive orders and actions. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has eliminated more than 20,000 jobs from the federal workforce, while attempting to dismantle several agencies.
Moreover, the Trump administration has arrested dozens of foreign students, threatening to halt federal funding to universities over the programs of diversity, equity and inclusion; climate initiatives, and pro-Palestinian protests.
Two weeks ago, tens of thousands of Americans protested against Trump and Musk over what they called a “hostile takeover” and attack on American rights and freedoms, marking the largest show of opposition since Trump assumed power in January 2025.
Declining Approval
Recent polls have shown that Trump’s approval rates are below average, compared to other US presidents. A Gallup poll, published on April 17, 2025, revealed that Trump’s performance in the first quarter has the approval of 45% of voters, which is lower than the average of 60% for all US presidents elected between 1952 and 2020.
Furthermore, confidence in Trump’s economic leadership remains low at 44%, down from 47% when he took office. Similarly, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed a decline in his approval rating to 43% from 47% on his Inauguration Day. The same poll indicated that only 37% approved of his economic performance.
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