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Opponents of former President Trump took to the streets on Presidents Day, staging demonstrations across the country to protest his sweeping executive actions and his appointment of tech billionaire Elon Musk to a key government role.
The protests, organized by various progressive groups, underscored growing concerns over Trump’s governance style and the influence of wealthy elites in shaping policy.
On February 17, thousands gathered in major cities, declaring it “No Kings Day” to push back against Trump’s aggressive use of executive orders and his administration’s move to significantly downsize the federal government.
A central theme of the protests was resistance to Musk’s growing influence, particularly his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new commission tasked with cutting federal spending.
“We are at a critical crossroads in American history,” a joint statement from the 50501 Movement, Political Revolution, and No Voice Unheard read. “We demand that our voices be heard and that the White House serves the American people—not a tech billionaire looking to buy influence.”
The demonstrations drew large crowds in Washington, where thousands gathered near the U.S. Capitol, even though lawmakers were out of session for the federal holiday. Protesters held signs criticizing Musk’s role in government, with one banner reading, “No one elected Elon Musk.”
Across the country, nearly 1,000 people marched in Boston, while hundreds rallied at state capitols in Texas and California.
“America has no king,” declared Build the Resistance, another organizer of the protests. “Trump and his wealthy allies are undermining the Constitution and tearing apart democratic institutions.”
Indivisible, a progressive advocacy group, also joined the demonstrations as part of its “Musk or Us” initiative. In addition to the Presidents Day protests, activists are planning further demonstrations outside lawmakers’ offices and Tesla dealerships to highlight concerns over Musk’s deepening involvement in federal policy decisions.
Musk’s appointment as the head of DOGE has been a focal point of controversy. As a special government employee, Musk has gained direct access to Trump’s administration, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and unchecked power.
DOGE has aggressively targeted federal agencies, leading to the dismissal of thousands of federal workers. The Office of Personnel Management recently purged probationary employees, while others were pressured into buyout offers under the administration’s “Fork in the Road” initiative.
DOGE has also moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, a decision that has sparked fears about the federal government’s ability to maintain critical programs and uphold national security.
Privacy advocates warn that drastic changes within federal agencies could lead to breaches in sensitive government data.
The Presidents Day protests mark the second large-scale mobilization by the 50501 Movement in recent weeks. On February 5, the group reported organizing more than 80 protests across all 50 states, drawing an estimated 20,000 participants.
Organizers say the growing public response signals widespread discontent with Trump’s leadership and his extensive use of executive power.
“We are witnessing an erosion of constitutional rights,” the 50501 Movement stated. “Federal judges have already halted multiple executive orders, yet Trump continues to push forward, disregarding the checks and balances that define American democracy.”
The statement also condemned elected officials who have remained silent, accusing them of prioritizing political self-preservation over defending democratic principles. “Many in Congress are paralyzed by fear of losing their positions.
But in the face of this crisis, a new wave of unity is rising. Americans from every background are standing together to demand accountability and defend our rights,” the release added.
As tensions rise, activists vow to keep the pressure on Trump’s administration. With Musk’s role expanding and federal agencies facing upheaval, protests are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
The battle over executive power and government restructuring is far from over, and the movement against Trump’s policies shows no signs of slowing down.
