WASHINGTON − On Wednesday, people opposing recent actions by the Trump administration gathered in several cities across the U.S. to express their grievances loudly.

These demonstrations followed widespread protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have resulted in extensive ICE raids.

In Washington, a crowd of several hundred demonstrated outside the U.S. Capitol, voicing opposition to Trump’s attempts to weaken the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Dressed in heavy winter clothing, attendees held signs with messages like “Don’t let democracy die,” “Elon cheats on video games,” and “Checks and balances make America great.” Protesters called out to Democratic lawmakers, urging them to “do your job!”

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine stated that Democrats intend to challenge these changes through legal action, state legislatures, and Congress. His fellow Virginia Senator Mark Warner encouraged protesters to also engage Republican lawmakers with their concerns.

“Make sure you’re not just standing here,” Warner advised. “We’ll only make progress when Republicans are willing to step up too. Apply pressure to everyone, including all elected officials.”

The peaceful demonstration, monitored by U.S. Capitol Police in protective gear, wrapped up around 1:30 p.m.

Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has been signing numerous executive orders aimed at reshaping and decreasing the size of the federal workforce, which numbers around 2.2 million. Initiatives to promote diversity have faced cutbacks, and government websites have been cleansed of gender-specific references.

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∎ In New York, activists gathered outside Senator Charles Schumer’s Midtown Manhattan office, displaying signs that read “It’s a coup, where R you?” and “Chuck, show us pluck.”

∎ In Chicago, protesters were set to rally at Daley Plaza, pressing Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin of Illinois to halt Trump’s initiatives.

From NC to DC, a Protester Pledges to ‘Be the Tiananmen Tank Guy’

Stewart Rabitz, 70, traveled from Wake Forest, North Carolina, early Wednesday to join the protest outside the U.S. Capitol. Rabitz, who has been active in anti-Trump demonstrations since his first term began, has even confronted the Proud Boys. He remarked that this moment feels distinct due to the rapid pace of Trump’s executive actions. “I think many are starting to understand that holding signs isn’t enough; people must take significant action,” he expressed. When asked if he feared backlash, he asserted, “Fear is not an option. I’m ready to be the first. I’ll become the Tiananmen tank guy.”

Protests Set for Every State

The 50501 Movement − which encompasses 50 states, with 50 protests in one day − organized demonstrations to voice dissatisfaction with “Project 2025.”

Project 2025 includes a series of proposals aimed at increasing presidential power while promoting an ultra-conservative ideological framework. Protest organizers argue that it targets marginalized communities, increases surveillance, limits reproductive rights, cuts essential services like education and healthcare, and undermines the freedoms we value.
 

The 50501 coalition also opposes Trump’s executive decisions that target illegal immigration and those pardoned for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In DC, Rally Scheduled at Peace Monument

On the day of the D.C. protest, despite the biting cold and overcast skies, schoolchildren visiting the U.S. Capitol were seen playing on the West Lawn in front of the building. Two tour buses were parked nearby, ready for visitors.

Near the Capitol, the area surrounding the Peace Monument, designated for a rally against Trump later that day, remained quiet. A few metal barricades positioned on the grass indicated possible disruptions, but they did not obstruct any roadways or paths.

A short distance away, however, hundreds gathered to protest changes to USAID, and as that demonstration concluded, more than 100 protesters moved to the original site of the 50501 rally, chanting, “Community is our wealth,” “Education is our power,” and “We will resist” to the rhythm of a drum.

Nurse Takes Time Off to Provide Medical Assistance at Rally

Numerous attendees took leave from work to join the rallies outside the Capitol. Nathan Alexander, a 32-year-old military veteran, was stationed at the edge of the gathering with a cart stocked with first-aid supplies, water, granola bars, hand warmers, and face masks. Alexander explained that he works as a nurse in a Maryland hospital but chose to offer emergency assistance at the rally instead. He shared that he funded all supplies from his own pocket, stating, “It’s crucial for everyone to realize that we are united in this effort,” wearing a rainbow pin. “Together, we can raise everyone’s fortunes.”

Protests Scheduled in New Jersey, Where Trump Faced Losses

Though Trump did not win New Jersey on election night, he came closer in 2024 compared to his previous contests against Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. Several protests opposing Trump’s actions were organized for that Wednesday throughout the state.

The 50501 Movement in New Jersey planned to initiate its protest at noon at the State House in Trenton. Indivisible, a grassroots organization created in 2016 to counter Trump’s agenda, arranged rallies outside Senator Cory Booker’s office at Gateway Center in Newark and Senator Andy Kim’s office in Jersey City.

Multiple Protests Announced in Mississippi

Voices of Mississippi will host a demonstration at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson. Organizers encouraged those unable to travel to Jackson to gather at their local city hall. Everyone planning to join the protest was also asked to dress in blue.

Indivisible Northeast Mississippi will also organize a rally at Senator Roger Wicker’s district office in Tupelo. Wicker, the senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has expressed concerns regarding Trump’s plan to drastically cut USAID, emphasizing the need for it to counter China’s rising influence in developing regions.

Contributing: Bonnie Bolden, Mississippi Clarion Ledger; Lori Comstock, News NETWORK; Seth Harrison/The Journal News