A national action against the Trump administration’s policies is expected to unfold across 50 states and D.C. on Saturday. The demonstrations will range from days of service and mutual aid events to rallies and protests in a decentralized effort that builds on the momentum of the April 5 “Hands Off” rally, which drew millions across the country in the largest single-day protest of Trump’s second term.
The rallies are loosely organized under the 50501 movement — which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.” The group says it has acted as a channel for people outraged by the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, reduction of the federal workforce, and sweeping executive actions that his critics warn have plunged the country into a constitutional crisis.
Here’s what to know about why people are protesting and how it will unfold:
Hunter Dunn, a spokesperson for 50501, described the group as a “pro-democracy, pro-Constitution, anti-executive overreach, nonviolent grassroots movement.”
“We are trying to protect our democracy against the rise of authoritarianism under the Trump administration,” Dunn said.
Dunn noted that the protests are not necessarily partisan. “We have registered Democrats, registered Independents and registered Republicans all marching because they all believe in America, because they all believe in a fair government that puts people before profits.”
50501’s database of events shows some locations will focus on specific issues, such as climate, LGBTQ+ rights, antifascism and federal funding cuts.
Trump’s policies have always been met with fierce blowback from his critics, dating to the early days of his first term with the Women’s March, and demonstrations against his “Muslim ban” that barred travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries.
But Trump’s second term has been marked by an aggressive and sweeping use of executive authority and bold disregard for the separation of powers. His policies have stretched beyond marginalizing groups he disfavors, such as transgender athletes and asylum seekers, as he attempts to use the executive to reshape the country to his vision.
In the first three months of Trump’s second administration, thousands of federal workers have been dismissed under the U.S. DOGE Service led by businessman Elon Musk, the world’s richest person. Federal immigration authorities have arrested and attempted to deport legal permanent residents. Private universities have had funding frozen over their refusal to submit to government oversight. Trump imposed, then rescinded, reciprocal tariffs on most of the world, including U.S. allies, sending markets into chaos and leaving Americans worried that the country is headed toward a recession.
Events are scheduled for localities across the country throughout the day on April 19. Downtown areas and plazas are expected to be the gathering sites in major cities — Chicago’s protests, for instance, are scheduled for noon in downtown’s Daley Plaza, while a 50501 coalition in Houston has scheduled its rally for 3 p.m. at city hall. In other cities, demonstrators are gathering in shopping centers, local libraries and state capitols.
Protests are planned outside Vice President JD Vance’s house on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory and near Lafayette Square; and near the Washington Monument on Saturday, according to the database of events.
The march along 15th St. NW from near the Washington Monument toward the White House at 1 p.m. is to demand the return of Kilmar Abrego García, a man the government admits it wrongfully deported to a Salvadoran prison, according the database of events. Others will gather near Lafayette Square and focus on rejecting the “billionaire agenda,” as well as show support for immigration, health care and LGBTQ+ rights.
Unlike the April 5 demonstration that drew tens of thousands of anti-Trump demonstrators to the Washington Monument grounds, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said there are no plans for large rallies or demonstrations on the National Mall.
Ben Zinevich, an organizer with the ANSWER Coalition planning to demonstrate Saturday, said it’s important to link different issues together and demonstrate that people are “marching with a united voice.”
“No one single march wins demands or ends injustice,” Zinevich said. “It’s really about building a sustained movement that can show itself as a political force.”
The 50501 D.C. organizing team says it has also scheduled a mutual aid campaign seeking to distribute food, baby products and hygiene supplies from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Franklin Park on Saturday to help workers who may be affected by Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce.
Not every gathering participating in the April 19 action will be a protest. In several locations, organizers are hosting food drives, mutual aid events and potlucks, according to Dunn, the 50501 spokesperson. In downtown Los Angeles, participants are gathering to help people who are affected by the recent wildfires.
Dunn indicated that some other groups will using the April 19 “Day of Action” call to hold trainings on safety and protesting.
On a national day of action, the goal is community impact, Dunn said. “We’re looking for ways you can strengthen community ties, ways you can help your neighbor, ways you can build community support in the face of tough times ahead.”
