Demonstrations associated with the “50501” initiative — which stands for 50 protests, in all 50 states, under one unified movement — are planned nationwide this Thursday in honor of May Day. The movement was launched as a response to a series of controversial actions taken by the Trump administration during its first 100 days in office.
“Stand with us to defend the Constitution and challenge unchecked executive authority,” reads a statement on the movement’s official site. “This is a National Day of Solidarity. Say no to the billionaire power grab. We are the majority. They are the elite minority.”
Originating from a Reddit community, the 50501 movement has organized several coordinated protest events in recent months. The latest occurred on April 19, drawing participants to more than 80 rallies held at statehouses, court buildings, and municipal centers across various states.
These gatherings aimed to protest what organizers view as excessive use of presidential powers, including undocumented deportations, attacks on federal institutions, and risks to public education.
Thursday’s demonstrations are being coordinated alongside May Day Strong, according to Gloriann Sahay, co-founder and digital director of the Political Revolution PAC.
“We refuse to remain silent while this administration detains our neighbors, disregards civil liberties, targets the judiciary, endangers vulnerable populations, and pushes forward the alarming goals of Project 2025,” said Gloriann Sahay.
May 1, recognized globally as International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is traditionally a time for rallies and demonstrations in support of labor and civil rights.
However, since it’s not a public holiday in the U.S., organizing large-scale protests on a weekday poses challenges for turnout.
Still, Sahay expressed confidence: “Even though it’s a workday, we anticipate strong participation. People are deeply invested in protecting the freedoms of their communities.”
Its website features a map highlighting more than 1,000 planned actions across the United States.
During that time, he has taken bold and controversial steps: intensifying immigration enforcement, disrupting international trade with new tariffs, dismantling federal agencies via sweeping cuts under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, weakening protections for transgender individuals, and wielding executive power with apparent disregard for democratic norms.
According to a CNN-SSRS poll, only 41% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance — the lowest rating for any new president at the 100-day mark since at least Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Compared to March, approval has declined by four points, and it’s seven points down from late February. Only 22% strongly back Trump’s leadership, while 45% say they strongly oppose it.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, resistance efforts like those led by 50501 reflect growing public unrest.
Donald Trump’s initial presidency in 2017 sparked immediate resistance, most notably with the massive Women’s March held the day after his inauguration.
In contrast, his second term saw a slower build-up in large-scale opposition — until recent weeks.
On Saturday, April 5, activists launched the “Hands Off” demonstrations, aimed at both Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk.
Organizers described the events as a response to what they labeled a “hostile power grab” threatening the rights and freedoms of Americans.
Their demands were threefold: to halt what they called a billionaire-driven corruption of the Trump administration, to stop the defunding of crucial programs like Medicaid and Social Security.
Indivisible, a leading group behind the protests, reported that nearly 600,000 people had pledged to attend, with events held not only across the U.S. but also in international cities such as London and Paris.
Later that month, on Saturday, April 19, the “50501” movement organized coordinated protests throughout the United States.
These gatherings echoed similar criticisms, focusing in part on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported and detained in a prison in El Salvador.
His story became a rallying point for those condemning Trump-era immigration practices.
These actions target Elon Musk’s initiatives — particularly his push, through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to drastically reduce the size and funding of federal agencies.