Protesters rally in U.S. cities against Trump

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in downtown Los Angeles protesting a range of policies under President Donald Trump’s administration. The protest, part of a broader nationwide “National Day of Action” organized by the 50501 movement, saw large crowds in multiple cities—including New York, Chicago, and Washington—voicing their dissent over issues such as mass deportations, government firings, and U.S. involvement in conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Participants, carrying signs and chanting slogans, expressed their frustration with the sweeping government cuts and the controversial actions that have defined Trump’s tenure since his January inauguration. Protesters in Washington even marched towards the White House, demanding accountability and emphasizing the citizens' right to due process amid widespread concerns over the firing of approximately 200,000 federal workers. The demonstrations also highlighted broader discontent with the administration’s efforts to dismantle key agencies and its stance on immigration and civil rights.

The protests, labeled under the “Hands Off!” banner, underscored a deep frustration with what many see as an aggressive power grab. Activists, many of whom pointed to the collaboration with figures like billionaire Elon Musk—implicated in the mass firings—as evidence of an alarming shift in governmental power, stressed that the focus of their action was to restore authority to the people.

Additional grievances cited by demonstrators included the controversial treatment of foreign students, threats to federal funding for university programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate initiatives, and widespread criticism from rights groups over what some perceive as a systemic erosion of human rights. The events marked only the second day of coordinated protests since Trump took office, reflecting a rapidly growing movement across the country rallying against a range of executive policies and decisions.