A nationwide movement opposing President Trump’s early policies is gaining momentum, with planned protests across the U.S. this Wednesday.
Organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501 (representing 50 protests in 50 states on one day), many demonstrations will target state capitols, with others in various cities.
The movement utilizes websites and social media platforms. Online flyers denounce Project 2025, a far-right agenda for American governance, using slogans like “reject fascism” and “defend our democracy.” In Michigan, organizers near the state capitol prepared for their protest, creating signs that read “No Deportations Ever!” and “Workers Unite!”
Kelsey Brianne, a key organizer of the Michigan rally, described the effort as “real grassroots.” She became involved Sunday night and has been coordinating logistics and safety measures.
Brianne explained her participation on Tuesday, stating, “I got involved because I knew that there was a need, and I knew what I could do. But also I want to look back at this time and say that I did something and I didn’t just sit back.”
President Trump’s recent executive orders on trade, immigration, climate change, and other issues have sparked opposition from Democrats and widespread protests.
On Sunday, large-scale demonstrations against Trump’s deportation plans took place in Southern California, including in downtown Los Angeles, where protests temporarily closed a major freeway.
—Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti 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. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.