People in cities across the U.S. took to the streets to protest on Wednesday. They opposed President Donald Trump’s recent decisions. Specifically, they spoke out against his immigration crackdown, transgender policy rollbacks, and a controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.

Protesters Gather in State Capitals

In response to Trump’s actions, demonstrators assembled in Philadelphia and several state capitals, including California, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Many carried signs condemning Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and Project 2025, a hard-right policy agenda. Meanwhile, in Columbus, Ohio, Margaret Wilmeth voiced her frustration. “I’m appalled by democracy’s changes in the last, well, specifically two weeks — but it started a long time ago. So I’m just trying to put a presence into resistance.”

Online Movement Fuels Demonstrations

These protests did not happen randomly. Instead, they were part of a coordinated effort organized online. Activists used the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501 to mobilize people in all 50 states. Social media posts with messages like "reject fascism” and “defend our democracy” encouraged nationwide participation.

Growing Concerns Over Elon Musk and DOGE

At the same time, many protesters expressed concerns about Elon Musk’s role in government. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk now has access to government financial systems. For instance, in Lansing, Michigan, hundreds of people braved freezing temperatures to voice their fears. Catie Miglietti, from Ann Arbor, held a sign showing Musk controlling Trump like a puppet. She warned, “If we don’t stop it and get Congress to do something, it’s an attack on democracy.” Similarly, in Jefferson City, Missouri, demonstrators criticized DOGE’s involvement in government data. One sign read, “DOGE is not legit.” Another asked, “Why does Elon have your Social Security info???” At the same time, lawmakers have raised similar concerns. They fear DOGE’s access to financial systems could pose security risks or disrupt Social Security and Medicare payments. However, a Treasury Department official insisted DOGE executives would have only “read-only access” to sensitive data.

Protests Continue to Spread

As Trump continues signing executive orders on trade, immigration, and climate, opposition has intensified. Consequently, protests have spread to major cities across the country. For example, in Austin, Texas, demonstrators marched downtown. Likewise, in Atlanta, Georgia, crowds walked from Centennial Olympic Park to the state Capitol. In Sacramento, California, protesters gathered outside the Legislature. Meanwhile, in Denver, protests coincided with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Authorities detained several individuals. Similarly, in Phoenix, Arizona, protesters chanted, “Deport Elon” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Expressing the urgency of the moment, Laura Wilde, a former occupational therapist in Austin, stated, “We need to show strength. I think we’re in a state of shock.”

Fear Drives Resistance

Across the country, fear of what’s to come has motivated many protesters. In St. Paul, Minnesota, thousands gathered. Hallie Parten, 28, carried a sign that read “Harris Walz Were Right.” She explained, “Fear for what is going to happen to our country if we don’t all just do something about it.” Similarly, at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines, demonstrators disrupted a Moms for Liberty event. For about 15 minutes, they shouted over the speakers. Eventually, police intervened and arrested four people.

LGBTQ+ Rights Under Threat

Meanwhile, in Alabama, hundreds protested against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The demonstration followed Governor Kay Ivey’s announcement that she would sign a law defining gender as strictly male or female. This aligns with Trump’s recent executive order redefining gender in federal policies. Speaking at the protest, Rev. Julie Conrady, a Unitarian Universalist minister, rejected the law. “The president thinks he has a lot of power. He does not have the power to determine your gender. He does not have the power to define your identity.”

Opposition Continues to Grow

Ultimately, protests against Trump’s policies show no signs of stopping. As more Americans fear threats to democracy and civil rights, they are taking action. The resistance is gaining momentum.