President Trump's opponents plan Saturday's protests in all 50 states are a message that they call on politically diverse Americans to oppose the president's slash and burn attacks on federal health programs and government workers.
The massive action of “Hands Off!” was organized by the indivisible Moveon, and several other groups, who led protests on abortion rights, gun violence and racial justice during the first Trump administration. However, organizers said they are currently working with 150 local, state and national partners to highlight new things Message: President Trump is threatening healthcare, social security and education, making life difficult for the average American, while benefiting his wealthiest friends.
“We need to bring in new people, so Trump's policies are very important,” said Moveon spokesman Britt Jacovich.
Longtime Trump opponents are reconsidering the enormous protests that defined his first office stint. The demonstrations cast a new generation of activists and helped Democrats seize the House in 2018, but they were Roev. They did not force Congress to protect Wade or pass the Police Reform Act. And eventually, Trump went back to November and cried out and won the election.
“The protests were effective in the short term, but in the long term, unless there is some overwhelming political defeat, a Trump-like move will be reconstructed and in this case we will win,” said Erica Chenowes, a political scientist studying social movements and non-violent resistance.
Saturday's protests will certainly include signs and speeches about reproductive rights, trans rights and racial justice. Otherwise, the event may be little similar to Trump's first term, particularly the massive demonstration at the women's march in Washington. The day after his inauguration, over half a million pink hat protesters descended on the country's capital To see Madonna's performance, celebrities gave keynote speeches, and millions of people marched further in cities across the country.
The March framing on Saturday said “Let's talk about Trump's economic attacks and attacks on our rights,” said Indivisible co-founder Leah Greenberg. “They don't make a difference. They come from anti-democratic alliances that take over and attack the fundamental parts of our democracy.”
Many of the 500,000 people who signed up to take part in Saturday's march will be attending protests near their homes, including where Trump was popular. Marquee rally at the National Mall is relatively modest and has a turnout of tens of thousands. Politicians, labor leaders and political organizers have replaced Hollywood stars as keynote speakers.
“You want people in a whole country involved in the protest, incredible places,” said Jason Stanley, a philosophy professor who recently quit his job at Yale and fled to the University of Toronto. He said that if they gain support beyond protest-friendly environments such as liberal cities and university campuses, a massive amount of movement will gain sustainability. “Everyone in a democracy has an agency, but everyone has to feel that there is an agency that uses it,” he said.
The results of the November elections call for a different opposition approach, organizers said. In 2017, many Trump opponents thought his victory was a vampire, so the strategy was to question his legitimacy. After Trump won the popularity poll in 2024, his opponent began courting those he alienated within his coalition.
“Even people who said Trump was doing what he promised to turn his enemy and that he promised to shake things up are saying, 'What happened to me – what about me?'” said the president of the American Federation of Teachers, “Trump has also promised to help with groceries and help people move on.
The group hosted by Indivisible hosts 150 city halls in the Republican home district. Many people who attended were worried that Social Security and Medicaid would appear on the chopping block. Concerned about economic outlooks, including rising housing and food costs, they wanted to know why billionaire Elon Musk is overseeing government overhauls.
Tuesday's elections in Florida and Wisconsin gave Democrats hope. In Florida, Republicans won two House seats in Slimmer than expected margins. And the liberal candidate won the election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Various polls show that Trump's approval rating has declined.
“The reality was a hit in ways that weren't that during his campaign,” said Jacovich of Moveon.
But the Trump administration's deportation, investigations and cuts in university funding helped conquer the opposition.
That's necessary to show that Trump's opponents are at risk of speaking out, political scientist Chenowes said. And while protests alone won't stop Trump, they can help push the opposition, said Stanley, a professor of philosophy.
Pete Maismy, president-elect of the Conservation Voters League, said Saturday's protest would be a success if a diverse group of people from red and blue states gathered to talk about how Trump is changing the country.
“There may be times when we disagree,” Maismith said. “That's fine.”
