In cities and towns across the United States, citizens gathered on Saturday as a demonstration against President Donald Trump’s administration, expressing concerns about the perceived threats against the nation’s democratic principles.
Events varied in form and location, from a march through Manhattan’s bustling streets to a rally near the White House and a protest coinciding with Massachusetts’ commemoration of the Revolutionary War’s start, marked by “the shot heard ’round the world” on April 19, 1775.
Among the assembled was Thomas Bassford, who attended a reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord near Boston. This 80-year-old retired mason from Maine feels it’s crucial to stand up to what he views as governmental threats to liberty. Accompanied by his family, Bassford aimed to instill in his grandsons the importance of understanding the nation’s origins and the ongoing fight for freedom.
In Denver, hundreds congregated at the Colorado State Capitol, brandishing signs that expressed solidarity with immigrants and strong messages directed at the Trump administration: “Hands Off!” The gathering illustrated distress with some participants waving U.S. flags upside down.
Thousands paraded through downtown Portland, Oregon, while in San Francisco, protesters gathered on a beach spelled out the demand “Impeach & Remove,” alongside an inverted flag. In Anchorage, Alaska, individuals waved personalized signs sharing their motivations for marching, with one proclaiming, “No sign is BIG enough to list ALL of the reasons I’m here!”
Protests were also orchestrated outside Tesla dealerships, directed at billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk, criticizing his involvement in shrinking the federal government. Other groups opted to engage in community service endeavors like food drives and volunteer initiatives at local shelters.
These protests coincided with similar national demonstrations held two weeks prior. Event organizers vocalized opposition to Trump’s perceived infringements on civil rights and constitutional principles, including efforts to deport immigrants en masse and downsize government functions drastically.
Some protests paid homage to the spirit of the Revolutionary War, advocating for a rejection of tyranny and autocratic rule. In Anchorage, a costumed reenactor held a “No Kings” sign, while another protester displayed a statement against ruling by monarchy.
George Bryant, attending the protest in Concord, voiced his concerns over what he termed the creation of a “police state” by the president. He bore a sign declaring, “Trump fascist regime must go now!” asserting that actions undermining checks and balances constitute fascism.
In Washington, Bob Fasick, a 76-year-old retired federal worker from Springfield, Virginia, participated in a rally near the White House. He worries about potential threats to Social Security, due process rights, and other federal protections under Trump’s policies, which have included closing Social Security offices and reducing health program funding.
“If people like myself don’t act, the world we’re leaving for future generations is not one I’d want to exist in,” Fasick remarked.
In Columbia, South Carolina, several hundred protesters gathered at the statehouse voicing opposition to government actions. Meanwhile, in Manhattan, activists marched from the New York Public Library towards Central Park, vocalizing against continual deportations, chanting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Marshall Green, from Morristown, New Jersey, discussed concerns over Trump’s invocation of the wartime Alien Enemies Act regarding Venezuelan gangs, which some see as an overreach given the lack of evidence of coordination between these gangs and Venezuela’s government. “Congress should act against this misstep,” he stated.
Additionally, Melinda Charles from Connecticut expressed fears of “executive overreach,” particularly in disputes with the federal judiciary and leading academic institutions.
“We’re supposed to have checks and balances among the branches,” she said, lamenting the perceived over-empowerment of the executive branch.