Demonstrators gathered across the U.S. on Wednesday, protesting the Trump administration’s latest policies, which include a crackdown on immigration, the rollback of transgender rights, and a proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Protests took place in Philadelphia and at state capitols in California, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, and beyond. Protesters carried signs denouncing President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk—who now leads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—and Project 2025, a hard-right blueprint for reshaping the American government and society.

Margaret Wilmeth, speaking at a demonstration outside the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, voiced her concern:
"I’m appalled by the changes in democracy, especially in the last two weeks—but this started a long time ago. I just want to be part of the resistance."

A Nationwide Movement Gains Momentum

The protests stem from an organized movement that has gained traction online under the hashtags #BuildTheResistance and #50501, symbolizing 50 protests in 50 states on one day. Calls for action circulated across social media, with messages such as "Reject fascism" and "Defend our democracy."

In Lansing, Michigan, hundreds of demonstrators braved freezing temperatures outside the state Capitol. Catie Miglietti, a protester from Ann Arbor, expressed deep concern over Musk’s access to Treasury Department data. She carried a sign portraying Musk as a puppeteer controlling Trump—a reference to Musk’s straight-arm gesture during a recent speech, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute.

"If we don’t take action and push Congress to intervene, this will be a direct attack on democracy," Miglietti warned.

Criticism Mounts Against Elon Musk and DOGE

In several cities, demonstrators focused their outrage on Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

Outside Missouri’s state Capitol in Jefferson City, a protester held up a sign reading, "DOGE is not legit." Another poster questioned Musk’s role in government affairs: "Why does Elon have your Social Security info???"

Members of Congress have raised concerns that DOGE’s involvement in the U.S. payment system could pose security risks and disrupt payments for programs like Social Security and Medicare. However, a Treasury Department official clarified that any tech executive working with DOGE would only have "read-only access."

Growing Opposition to Trump’s Executive Actions

Since the start of his new term, Trump has signed multiple executive orders on immigration, trade, and climate policy, sparking a wave of demonstrations.

• Austin, Texas – Protesters marched through downtown.
• Atlanta, Georgia – Demonstrators gathered at Centennial Olympic Park before marching to the state Capitol.
• Sacramento, California – Crowds assembled outside the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
• Denver, Colorado – Protests coincided with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, leading to several detentions.
• Phoenix, Arizona – Protesters chanted "Deport Elon" and "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here."

Laura Wilde, a former public school occupational therapist in Austin, described the growing unease:
"We need to show strength. I think we’re all in a state of shock."

Clashes in Iowa and Protests in Alabama

In Des Moines, Iowa, anti-Trump protesters disrupted a conservative event hosted by the parental rights group Moms for Liberty inside the state Capitol. The demonstrators shouted over the speakers in the rotunda before law enforcement intervened, removing four protesters in handcuffs.

Meanwhile, in Alabama, hundreds gathered outside the Statehouse to oppose policies targeting LGBTQ+ rights.

On Tuesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey pledged to sign legislation defining sex strictly as male or female, aligning with Trump’s recent executive order.

Addressing the crowd, Rev. Julie Conrady, a Unitarian Universalist minister, condemned the move:
"The president may think he has power, but he does not have the authority to define your gender or identity."

Nationwide Unrest Continues

As resistance to Trump’s policies grows, protests are expected to persist. Activists vow to keep the pressure on, demanding accountability from both the administration and tech leaders like Elon Musk, who are increasingly influencing government decisions.