Widespread demonstrations against President Trump’s early policy decisions unfolded Wednesday, drawing thousands to a Philadelphia federal courthouse and various state capitols, including those in Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Protesters displayed signs criticizing President Trump, the head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, and a conservative agenda for the nation.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport! Take action,” read one demonstrator’s sign in Philadelphia.
These protests stemmed from an online movement using the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501 (representing 50 protests in 50 states on one day). Social media platforms saw numerous calls to action, including messages like “reject fascism” and “defend our democracy.”
In Lansing, Michigan, approximately 500 people rallied in freezing conditions outside the state Capitol. Their grievances encompassed Trump’s Gaza policy, the rollback of transgender rights, and recent deportation efforts targeting undocumented immigrants.
Catie Miglietti from the Ann Arbor area expressed particular concern over ‘s access to Treasury Department data. Her sign depicted as a puppeteer controlling Trump, referencing ‘s arm gesture during a January speech interpreted by some as a Nazi salute.
“Without intervention and Congressional action, this is an assault on democracy,” she stated.
Kelsey Brianne, a key organizer of the Michigan rally, became involved Sunday night and coordinated speakers and safety measures.
“I want to look back and know I acted, not just passively watched,” Brianne said before the protests.
Trump enacted several executive orders early in his new term, covering issues such as trade, and . Democratic opposition to Trump’s policies has fueled these protests.
Sunday saw thousands marching against Trump’s deportation plans in Southern California, including downtown Los Angeles, where protests .
Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti and Isabella Volmert 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. is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.