Anti-Trump protests this weekend turn focus to community action
More large-scale protests, rallies and other actions against the Trump administration are set to take place in cities across the U.S. this weekend, with organizers hoping to seize on what they say is growing resistance against anti-democratic policies.
On Saturday, the 50501 Movement, which brands itself as a decentralized network, is holding what its calling a “day of action.” The name stands for 50 protests in 50 states and one movement — referring to the group’s first nationwide protest at state capitols.
Hundreds of local protests, teach-ins, and mutual aid efforts are planned in response to what organizers say are “anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration.”
The White House did not respond to NPR’s request for comment.
The 50501 movement, which has orchestrated protests since early February, is one of several anti-Trump movements. The “Tesla Takedown” campaign will be holding more than 100 protests this weekend, according to organizers. That group is protesting Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influential role in the Trump administration.
Hunter Dunne, the national press coordinator for the 50501 Movement, says that Tesla Takedown rallies and other similar efforts are part of the same decentralized movement. The sprawling effort encompasses any protest guided by four tenets, according to Dunne.
“We’re pro-democracy, we’re in favor of preserving the Constitution, we’re against executive overreach, and we’re non-violent,” he said.
While the “Hands Off!” rallies on April 5 were billed as a day of protests, Saturday broadens the resistance effort to include community-focused events.
“It’s all about actions that support your community against the Trump administration — strengthening your community so that they can weather these assaults on democracy,” Dunne said.
In Southern California, for example, the 50501 spokesman says food drives are planned to support people who continue to struggle in the wake of the January wildfires as well as those who may be affected by the rising price of goods amid President Trump’s tariffs.
“Resistance is about more than just protesting,” Dunne said. “It’s about strengthening your community so that they can weather these assaults on democracy, and so that they can get ready to make a better future for everyone.”
The 50501 campaign says it has quickly built momentum since its first call to action. For its nationwide protest on Feb. 5, the organization estimates there were about 80 protests in 88 cities.
The effort expects to see close to 1,000 events nationwide this weekend, according to Dunne: “And probably more than that — we won’t know about until after they happen.”
Likewise, as Tesla Takedowns enters its 11th week of protests, it says momentum hasn’t slowed and has consistently seen about 150 actions globally each week.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
‘It’s like feeling the arms of your creator just wrapped around you’: a visit to a special healing Shabbat
Members of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham gathered recently for their traditional Friday Shabbat service. But this particular service was different, as could be seen by all the people dressed in their finest pink.
Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers
While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home?
Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting
The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.
Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.
