Thousands join anti-Trump protests across US
By Ana Faguy
BBC News, Washington DC
20/04/25
Thousands took to the streets across the US on Saturday to protest recent actions by President Donald Trump.
Known as “50501”, for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement”, the demonstrations were intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War.
From outside the White House and Tesla dealerships and at the centres of many cities, protesters expressed a variety of grievances. Many called for the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Political protests are becoming more common in the US, with the “Hands Off” demonstrations in early April drawing massive crowds, as polls suggest Trump’s popularity is faltering.
Getty Images Woman holds sign that reads “Deport Trump to El Salvador” in front of White HouseGetty Images
Outside the White House
Reuters Wide shot of thousands holding signs at protestsReuters
New York City
Saturday’s protests addressed a number of Trump actions, including those by the the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) – Trump’s initiative to cut US government jobs and other spending – and the administration’s unwillingness to bring about the return of Ábrego García, a citizen of El Salvador.
Gihad Elgendy told CNN he joined the protest at the White House to criticise the deportation of Ábrego García. He believes Trump “could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back”.
The protests were generally reported as peaceful, although Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, posted a video on X of a man holding a Trump sign and pushing through a crowd to angrily confront him.
Many demonstrators carried signs reading “No Kings,” a nod to the anniversary of the start of the country’s revolution against English rule.
During celebrations of the anniversary in Massachusetts that commemorated the battles of Lexington and Concord and the famous horse ride of Paul Revere, people held similar signs. There was also a 50501 demonstration in Boston on Saturday.
“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” Thomas Bassford, told the Associated Press, while in Boston with his partner, daughter and two grandsons. “I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
