On Saturday, opponents of President Trump’s administration marched through communities large and small across the United States, protesting what they see as threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
The events included rallies in midtown Manhattan and in front of the White House, as well as a demonstration at a Massachusetts commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
Thomas Bassford drove three hours from his home in Maine to witness the reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, as well as “the shot heard ’round the world” on April 19, 1775, which signaled the beginning of the nation’s war for independence from Britain.
The 80-year-old retired mason said he believes Americans are under attack from their own government and must stand up to it.
“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” he said as he watched the first battles of the American Revolution with his partner, daughter, and two grandchildren. “I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
Protests were planned outside Tesla car dealerships against billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk and his role in the federal government’s downsizing, while others organized more community-service events such as food drives, teach-ins, and volunteering at shelters.
Protests have recently broken out across the United States. In early April, opponents of President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk rallied across the country to protest the administration’s actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights, and other issues.
More than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ advocates, veterans, and election activists, planned over 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations.
Organizers claim they are protesting Trump’s civil rights and constitutional violations, including efforts to deport thousands of immigrants and shrink the federal government by firing thousands of government employees and effectively closing entire agencies.
Some of the events echoed the spirit of the American Revolutionary War, advocating for “no kings” and resistance to tyranny.
George Bryant, a Boston resident, was among those who gathered in Concord. He expressed concern that Trump was creating a “police state” in America while holding up a sign that read, “Trump fascist regime must go now!”
“He is defying the courts. He is kidnapping students. “He’s destroying the checks and balances,” Bryant claimed. “This is fascism.”
In Washington, Bob Fasick said he attended the White House rally because he was concerned about threats to constitutionally protected due process rights, as well as Social Security and other federal safety net programs.
The Trump administration, among other things, has moved to close Social Security Administration field offices, reduce funding for government health programs, and weaken transgender protections.
“I can’t sit still knowing that if I don’t do anything and everyone else doesn’t do something to change this, that the world that we’re leaving for our children and neighbors is simply not one that I’d want to live in,” said the 76-year-old retired federal employee from Springfield, Virginia.
On Saturday, Chicago’s Daley Plaza filled up and city streets were closed down for anti-Trump protesters for the second time this month, as part of a nationwide demonstration. The People’s Protest was organized by the 50501 movement, which stands for “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.”
“The more people who come out, the quicker the government will change,” protester Jim Coleman said. “There is a lot of energy. People are extremely upset right now.”
CBS Colorado reported that the 50501 Movement began as an idea on Reddit. Since then, the movement has grown thanks to grassroots organizers, resulting in multiple days of protests across the country, including at least 400 in Colorado.
Over a thousand people gathered in Philadelphia to participate in the “No Kings” protest, which condemns the White House’s anti-democratic policies and actions.
“Right now, our people are facing federally funded programs that are being eliminated by the government; they are being reduced, people are losing their jobs, and people are worried about their immigrant family members. “People are concerned about the state of the nation,” Talia Giles told CBS Philadelphia.
In Manhattan, protesters gathered on the steps of the New York Public Library to protest the continued deportation of immigrants.
“No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state,” they chanted to the steady beat of drums, referring to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Marshall Green, one of the protesters, expressed concern that Trump had invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 by claiming the country was at war with Venezuelan gangs linked to the South American government.
“Congress should step up and say no, we are not at war. “You cannot use that,” said the 61-year-old Morristown, New Jersey resident. “You cannot deport people without due process, and everyone in this country has the right to due process no matter what.”
Melinda Charles of Connecticut expressed concern about what she saw as Trump’s “executive overreach,” citing his clashes with federal courts as well as his views on Harvard University and other elite colleges that he considers too liberal.
“We’re supposed to have three equal branches of government and to have the executive branch become so strong, I mean, it’s just unbelievable,” she told me.