On Saturday, thousands of Americans rallied across the nation to protest President Donald Trump’s recent policies, marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. The protests, dubbed “50501,” aimed to unite citizens from all 50 states, highlighting discontent with the Trump administration. Participants gathered in various cities, calling for changes and demanding justice for individuals like Kilmar Ábrego García, who was wrongfully deported despite having legal status.

Nationwide Protests Echo Historic Struggles

The “50501” protests unfolded in major cities, with demonstrators assembling near the White House, Tesla dealerships, and key downtown locations. Protesters voiced opposition to multiple Trump administration initiatives, including the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) program aimed at reducing public sector jobs and cutting federal spending. A major point of contention was the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a legal resident who was sent to El Salvador despite his legal status in the U.S.

In Washington, D.C., demonstrators emphasized their concerns by rallying outside the White House. Gihad Elgendy, one of the protestors, demanded the return of Ábrego García and argued that President Trump could leverage his influence with El Salvador to facilitate García’s repatriation. Despite occasional moments of tension, the protests largely remained peaceful, underscoring the public’s frustration with the administration’s policies.

Rising Dissent as Presidential Approval Declines

The protests are part of an ongoing wave of public dissent against President Trump’s leadership. According to Gallup, his approval rating stands at 45%, which represents a slight increase from his first quarter performance in office, but still lags behind the historical average of 60% for new presidents. The discontent over Trump’s economic performance is especially pronounced, with only 37% of respondents expressing approval in recent Reuters/Ipsos polling. These figures indicate that, while his approval numbers remain relatively stable, public support for the administration is waning.

The protests have grown in size and frequency, with participants demanding more accountability from the Trump administration. Many attendees voiced concerns about the economic policies that disproportionately impact working-class Americans, as well as the administration’s treatment of immigrants and their families.

Historical Echoes in Modern Political Resistance

The protests also drew inspiration from the nation’s revolutionary past. Participants carried signs reading “No Kings,” a direct reference to the American fight for independence from British rule. Similar sentiments echoed in Massachusetts, where citizens commemorated the historic battles of Lexington and Concord. In Boston, a “50501” protest was held in solidarity with other demonstrations across the country. Thomas Bassford, a participant in the Boston rally, expressed his belief that “freedom sometimes requires resistance,” highlighting the importance of upholding America’s founding values of liberty and justice.

Bassford, who attended the protest with his grandsons, stated that he wanted to teach them the significance of standing up for what is right. “This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” he said. “I wanted the boys to learn that freedom sometimes requires resistance.”

Trump’s Economic Approval Faces Further Decline Amid Protests

The mounting protests come at a time when Trump’s approval rating is in decline. According to recent polling by Reuters/Ipsos, his overall approval has dropped to 43%, with only 37% of respondents supporting his economic performance. This decline contrasts with the 47% approval rating Trump had when he first took office.

Earlier this month, the country saw its largest coordinated protest since Trump’s return to office, with over 1,200 demonstrations taking place in all 50 states. The growing frequency of these protests suggests that public dissatisfaction with the Trump administration is deepening, especially on issues such as immigration and economic inequality.

A Call for Change

The widespread protests signal a shift in the American political landscape, as citizens demand more from their government and their leaders. With ongoing concerns over policy decisions and their impact on the nation’s future, the “50501” demonstrations serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement and resistance to unjust governance. As the situation evolves, the protests may continue to shape the conversation surrounding the administration’s future and its policies.