Protests sweep US against Trump policies

File Source: KMTR

Thousands of demonstrators rallied across the U.S. on Wednesday, protesting President Donald Trump’s early actions on immigration, transgender rights, and a controversial proposal to forcibly transfer Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Crowds gathered in cities from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, as well as at state capitols in California, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. In Austin, hundreds marched near the State Capitol, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.”

The demonstrations were fueled by an online movement under the hashtags #BuildTheResistance and #50501, symbolizing 50 protests in 50 states on one day. Activists flooded social media with calls to action, sharing messages such as “Reject fascism” and “Defend our democracy.” The protests also targeted billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with critics raising alarms over its role in government operations.

“DOGE is not legit,” read one sign in Jefferson City, Missouri, where dozens of protesters gathered on the state Capitol steps. “Why does Elon have your Social Security info???” Concerns over DOGE’s involvement in government payment systems have grown, with some lawmakers warning of potential risks to Social Security and Medicare. A Treasury Department official, however, reassured the public that a tech executive working with DOGE would only have “read-only access.”

Trump has wasted no time in pushing his agenda since returning to office, signing executive orders on trade, immigration, and climate policy. As his administration moves forward, Democratic opposition is mounting, and nationwide protests are becoming more frequent.