A growing movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is gaining momentum online, with protests planned across the United States on Wednesday. The movement, which has organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, aims to unite 50 states for one day of demonstrations against the new administration’s policies.
The goal of the movement is clear: to mobilize Americans who oppose President Trump’s early executive actions, which include sweeping changes to immigration, trade, and climate policy. The protests are being organized primarily at state capitals, though some will take place in other major cities as well. Supporters are using social media platforms and dedicated websites to spread the word, sharing flyers that criticize policies such as Project 2025, a far-right blueprint for American governance, while calling for action with slogans like “reject fascism” and “defend our democracy.”
In Michigan, organizers for a rally near the state’s Capitol gathered at a local coffee shop on Tuesday, preparing signs with messages such as “No Deportations Ever!” and “Workers Unite!” Kelsey Brianne, a key organizer for the Michigan protest, described the effort as a “real grassroots movement.” Brianne, who learned of the protests only days earlier, quickly took charge of coordinating speakers and safety protocols. “I got involved because I knew that there was a need, and I knew what I could do,” she said. “But also I want to look back at this time and say that I did something and I didn’t just sit back.”
Protests have already begun in response to President Trump’s recent executive orders. In Southern California, thousands marched on Sunday to oppose the administration’s plans for large-scale deportations, with protests in downtown Los Angeles causing major disruptions, including the closure of a major freeway for several hours.
These protests come on the heels of a number of controversial moves by Trump in his first weeks in office. From changes in trade and immigration policy to rolling back climate change regulations, Trump’s early actions have drawn sharp opposition from many, particularly among Democrats. As the movement grows, organizers are hopeful that the Wednesday protests will serve as a powerful reminder of the public’s resistance to what they see as a dangerous shift in American politics.
— Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, and Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix, contributed to this report. Sandoval is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.
