Anti-Trump rallies held across nation
By: John Bacon
and Karissa Waddick
USA Today
WASHINGTON - A peaceful crowd several hundred deep protested President Donald Trump's action outside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, 02/05/2025] one of a series planned 505001 Movement.
.....
The group - named to signify 50 states, 50 protests, one day - supports "the fee expression of regular Americans; dissatisfaction with the embrace of Project 2025" and actions by the new administration.
..... Rallygoers bundled up in puffy winter coats, hats and gloves, holding up signs against Trump. among them: "don't let democracy die,: "Elon cheats on video games" and "checks and balances make America great."
..... Addressing the rally, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine said Democrats plan to fight the changes in court, in state legislatures and in Congress. Fellow Virginie Senator Mark Warner urged protesters to take their concerns to GOP lawmakers. "don't just show up here," he said. "We are going to break this when we have Republicans willing to stand up as well. Put the pressure not just on us but on everyone, every elected official."
..... Other organizations coordinated protests for the same day; in Washington, hundreds gathered nearby for a protest against changes to USAID, and the two rallies merged at the Peace Monument.
..... Project 2025 is a long list of proposals that would expand presidential power and impose an ultraconservative social vision. Protest organizers say Project 2025 seeks to target marginalized groups, heighten surveillance, restrict reproductive rights and slash funding for crucial services such as education and health care while dismantling "the freedom we cherish." The 50501 group is also opposed to Trump's executive order such as cracking down on illegal immigration and pardoning people involved in the Caputo riot on January 6, 2021.
..... Nathan Alexander, a 32-eyar-old veteran who works as a nurse, stood at the edge of the crowd with a ca4t filled with first aid ma5trerials, water, granola bars, hand warmers and masks. He took off work to attend.
..... "We're all in this together," said Alexander, who wore rainbow pin. "Rising tides rise all ships."
..... The 50501 Movement in New Jersey planed a protest at the State House in Trenton. The group indivisible scheduled rallies outside Senator Cory Booker's office in Newark and Senator Andy Kim's office in Jersey City.