Thousands of people across the United States participated in protests on Saturday, voicing their opposition to recent actions taken by President Donald Trump.
The demonstrations, dubbed "50501" for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement," were designed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
Protests unfolded in various locations, including outside the White House, Tesla dealerships, and in the centers of multiple cities, where demonstrators raised a range of concerns.
A key issue highlighted by many was the case of Kilmar Ábrego García, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, with protesters demanding his return.
Political demonstrations have become more frequent in the U.S., following earlier large-scale protests such as the "Hands Off" rallies in April that attracted tens of thousands across the nation.
Recent Gallup polling indicates that 45% of voters approve of Trump's performance in his first quarter, showing a slight increase from the 41% approval during his initial term.
However, this figure is still below the 60% average approval rating for presidents in their first quarter between 1952 and 2020.
The protests on Saturday focused on several of Trump’s policies, including the Department of Government Efficiency's (Doge) plan to reduce U.S. government jobs and cut spending, as well as the administration’s refusal to facilitate the return of Ábrego García to the U.S.
Gihad Elgendy, who joined the protest outside the White House, voiced his criticism of the deportation, suggesting that Trump had the power to press the Salvadoran government into returning García.
The protests were largely peaceful, though tensions flared at times. Representative Suhas Subramanyam shared a video on social media showing a confrontation between a man holding a Trump sign and a group of protesters.
Many demonstrators carried "No Kings" signs, reflecting the spirit of the American Revolution, marking the start of the country’s fight against British rule.
Similar signs were seen during Massachusetts' anniversary celebrations of the battles of Lexington and Concord, and a 50501 demonstration also took place in Boston.
Thomas Bassford, attending the Boston protest with his family, stated, "This is a very perilous time in America for liberty," emphasizing the importance of teaching future generations about the country’s founding and the ongoing need to defend freedom.
Trump's popularity seems to be waning, particularly concerning economic issues. His approval rating has dropped from 47% in January to 43%, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Additionally, only 37% of those surveyed approve of his handling of the economy, down from 42% at the time of his inauguration.
Earlier this month, a massive wave of opposition took place with protests in 1,200 locations across all 50 states, surpassing the turnout of Saturday's demonstrations.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1559 HRS, April 20, 2025
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