Protesters Denounce Donald Trump and Elon Musk on ‘No Kings Day’
BOSTON (AP) — Thousands of protesters across the U.S. braved freezing temperatures on Presidents Day to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Under the rallying cry “No Kings on Presidents Day,” demonstrators in major cities like Boston, Washington, D.C., and Phoenix denounced what they called the “anti-democratic and illegal actions” of the Trump administration and its allies.
The protests, organized by the 50501 Movement, marked the second wave of nationwide rallies in less than two weeks. Similar events on February 5 saw participation in dozens of cities, with activists targeting Trump’s policies and Musk’s role in the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, an organization aimed at slashing federal spending.
Key Highlights of the Protests
- Boston Takes the Lead: Nearly 1,000 protesters marched from the Statehouse to City Hall in Boston, chanting slogans like “Elon Musk has got to go” and carrying signs reading “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” The freezing temperatures and wind chills in the teens didn’t deter the crowd, some of whom dressed in Revolutionary War-era attire to emphasize their message.
- Nationwide Participation: From Orlando to Seattle, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in state capitals and major cities. In Washington, D.C., signs like “Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump” highlighted the growing frustration with the administration’s policies.
- Phoenix Standoff: In Arizona, protesters attempted to enter the Statehouse to oppose a bill reinforcing federal immigration enforcement. Security blocked their entry, but the crowd remained vocal, carrying signs like “No Kings” and “Resist Fascism.”
Why Are People Protesting?
The protests were fueled by a combination of recent executive orders from Trump and widespread layoffs across federal agencies. Demonstrators expressed concerns over what they see as the erosion of democratic values and the influence of wealthy elites like Musk in shaping government policies.
Emily Manning, a 55-year-old Boston engineer who attended the rally with her two sons, summed up the sentiment: “American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.”
The Role of Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul, has become a focal point of the protests due to his leadership in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. Critics argue that Musk’s involvement represents an overreach of corporate influence in government, further alienating citizens who feel their voices are being ignored.
Protesters’ Message: A Call to Action
Organizers emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations. December Archer, a protest organizer in Phoenix, stated, “We’re here to make a statement, not be the statement.” Her goal was to ensure the protests remained civil while drawing attention to the issues at hand.
What’s Next?
The 50501 Movement shows no signs of slowing down. With growing participation and media coverage, these protests could signal a broader shift in public sentiment. As the polar vortex continues to sweep across the country, so too does the determination of those fighting for what they believe are fundamental American values.
Join the Conversation
Are you concerned about the direction of the current administration? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the next wave of protests to make your voice heard. Together, we can stand up for democracy and hold our leaders accountable.
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