Protests Growing in Numbers: What to Expect Going Forward
Executive Summary
A Telegram broadcast from the emerging “50501 Movement” claims that over 5 million people joined protests across the United States last weekend, making it the largest anti-Trump mobilization since his return to office. Organizers are calling for a follow-up on April 19, aiming to recruit enough people to reach the critical 3.5% population threshold historically linked to successful civil resistance. The protests — driven by opposition to Trump’s policies, Elon Musk’s growing role in government, and sweeping federal cuts — suggest the makings of a long-term mass movement.
Analysis
A surge of coordinated protests swept across the United States over the weekend, spurred by organizers from the self-described “50501 Movement,” who claimed on Telegram that more than 5 million Americans participated. “If everybody that protested yesterday brought one new person with them in 2 weeks,” one message read, “we would almost be at the 3.5% of the population needed to roll back the tyranny of this administration.” The movement is now mobilizing for a massive nationwide demonstration on April 19.
Demonstrators rallied in over 1,400 locations across all 50 states, targeting Trump administration policies and Elon Musk’s controversial influence as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The protests, organized under the “Hands Off!” banner, also drew crowds in global cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. Protesters held signs reading “Hands off Social Security” and “Resist, Resist,” while chanting slogans like “Hands off Canada,” “Hands off Ukraine,” and “Hey ho, Trump’s gotta go.”
In Washington, D.C., lawmakers such as Reps. Jamie Raskin, Ilhan Omar, and Maxwell Frost addressed crowds. Raskin compared Trump to Mussolini, while Omar emphasized the need to defend civil liberties and Frost condemned the administration’s authoritarian drift. Meanwhile, union leaders warned of historic attacks on public workers’ rights. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, decried federal layoffs and contract dissolutions, while Randy Erwin of the National Federation of Federal Employees labeled Trump’s actions a “cruel joke.”
Public grievances varied but coalesced around a few central themes: mass deportations, cuts to education and health programs, environmental rollbacks, and the dismantling of democratic institutions. CNN reported that many demonstrators viewed Musk’s role as particularly troubling, citing his dismantling of USAID and his claim that foreign aid programs had been sent “into the wood chipper.” At the same time, the Associated Press highlighted how protests ranged from peaceful marches in major cities to dramatic scenes near Trump properties — including a standoff in Indiana involving an armed man and protestors. No injuries were reported.
Polls suggest support for the president is slipping. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating at 43%, down from 47% at the start of his second term. A Harvard/Harris poll showed a drop from 52% to 49%, even as 54% of voters still said Trump is outperforming Joe Biden. Critics fear that Trump’s aggressive immigration policy, dismantling of climate regulation, and erosion of trans and reproductive rights represent a deeper attempt to centralize power.
Despite attempts from Trump officials to downplay the demonstrations — including immigration advisor Tom Homan claiming they “don’t mean anything” — organizers are now focused on April 19, calling it a crucial moment to apply mass pressure on the administration. The question ahead: whether this movement can sustain momentum and scale into lasting political transformation.
