Thousands Rally on Presidents’ Day to Denounce Trump as Tyrant

Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump’s Policies on Presidents’ Day

On Presidents’ Day, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States to voice their dissent against President Trump’s controversial policies. Protesters criticized the President’s actions, including the proposed termination of thousands of federal workers and the dismissal of various prosecutors and independent watchdogs, labeling him a "king" for his autocratic tendencies.

The protest movement, highlighted by chants of “No king, no crown, we will not back down,” unfolded near the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Protesters displayed their devotion to democracy by waving American flags and wearing patriotic attire, including heart-shaped earrings and beanies representing the U.S. flag. An a cappella group’s rendition of the national anthem by the Capitol Reflecting Pool was met with enthusiastic applause.

“It’s our anthem. It’s our flag. It belongs to us,” declared Shawn Morris, president of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. He expressed his deep concern over Trump’s attempts to exclude transgender individuals from military service and erase their acknowledgment on federal government platforms. Morris lamented that protections for same-sex marriage might be at risk due to the current administration’s moves.

The protests occurred during a period of uncertainty for Democrats, who have found it challenging to effectively respond to Trump’s sweeping measures, as Republican majorities continue to dominate both the House and Senate. Many Democratic leaders are apprehensive about alienating voters, opting to reflect on the factors behind their 2024 electoral losses before formulating a response. Activists, however, expressed their frustration over the absence of a robust counter-strategy.

Kaitlin Robertson, participating in the protests and working on behalf of domestic violence survivors, carried an upside-down American flag to symbolize distress over what she termed a “constitutional crisis.” This term reflects the legal scholars’ growing concerns regarding Trump’s expansive executive authority amid legal challenges he faces.

“An upside-down flag signals distress, and it captures the current turmoil,” she noted, pointing out that the symbol was previously used by some of Trump’s supporters during his attempts to contest the 2020 election results.

Organized under the umbrella of the grassroots 50501 movement, the protests aimed to challenge what participants deem Trump’s overreach in his second term. The movement’s outreach rapidly expanded after discussions on Reddit sparked interest among citizens eager to take action against the perceived authoritarian measures of the Trump administration.

Sarah Parker, executive director of Voices of Florida, emphasized how the nationwide protests were fueled by a growing conversation on social media, providing a platform for individuals to express their frustrations and coordinate collective action. Protesters voiced a multitude of concerns, including Trump’s foreign policy, particularly regarding NATO. Joseph Schiarizzi, who identified himself as a libertarian, criticized Trump’s administration for allegedly attempting to undermine NATO by appeasing Russia in the context of Ukraine.

“How can we expect peace through appeasement? It simply doesn’t work,” Schiarizzi asserted.

Several demonstrators also expressed discontent with Congress for not doing enough to hold the Trump administration accountable. Nadya Downs, leading chants of “Where is Congress? Do your job,” underscored the necessity for legislators to provide a stronger check on the executive branch’s unilateral actions.

“There’s plenty of frustration among members of Congress, but we need to see that translated into action,” she stressed.

Similar protests occurred across various cities under banners like “Not My Presidents’ Day” and “No Kings’ Day,” with significant gatherings in Union Square in New York, a post office in Nantucket, Massachusetts, the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke, Virginia, and the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Sacramento Police Department estimated crowd attendance at 1,200 to 1,500.

Protesters in New York City marched from Union Square to Washington Square Park, displaying American flags and handmade signs reading “Stop the Coup” and “No Billionaire Kings.” The latter referred to tech mogul Elon Musk’s involvement in Trump’s plans to downsize and reform the federal workforce.

Dominic Santiago, a 29-year-old artist from Brooklyn, expressed his optimism regarding the protests, stating, “These demonstrations give me hope that we can ignite change.” Lillian Bacon, a political science student, articulated her desire to defend democracy and advocate for the rights and dignity of every individual.

“This is my first public protest, and my anger at Trump, Musk, and the Republican leadership for undermining our constitutional values has driven me here today. I wish to see solidarity among all Americans, even those who supported Trump,” she articulated.

Meanwhile, in Arkansas, protesters gathered outside the state capitol, with Tanya Hollifield, an artist from Little Rock, holding a sign emblazoned with “Fight Fascism Everywhere.” Hollifield criticized perceived attacks on the separation of powers, specifically highlighting Musk’s influence as a focal point of her discontent.

In Atlanta, demonstrators chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho. Elon Musk has got to go,” while in Austin, a protester conveyed her frustration over job losses in the National Park Service due to Trump’s policies, asserting her resilience against being labeled a “parasite” simply because she works in federal employment.

The protests represent a significant moment of political engagement as Americans rally against what they perceive as threats to democracy, urging for accountability and calling for collective resistance against an administration they view as overstepping its bounds.