The upcoming protests in the US, organized by the group 50501, aim to channel discontent with Donald Trump’s presidency into a mass movement with political impact. With over 400 rallies planned nationwide, organizers seek to mobilize 11 million participants, representing 3.5% of the US population. These protests follow previous events like the “No Kings Day” and the “Hands Off” rallies, which garnered significant opposition to Trump’s policies.

Indivisible, the progressive movement behind the “Hands Off” events, emphasizes the importance of vocal resistance to Trump’s actions and aims to send a message to both politicians and voters. Heather Dunn, a spokesperson for 50501, describes the group as a nonpartisan, pro-democracy movement focused on protecting democracy against authoritarianism under the current administration.

Academics, including Steven Levitsky of Harvard University, highlight the role of protests in combating authoritarianism, suggesting that opposition movements need to utilize various channels, including the streets, to shape media discourse and push for change.

In Washington DC, protests are set to occur at various locations, including outside Vice President JD Vance’s home and Lafayette Square, with a march planned from the George Washington monument to the White House in support of Kilmar Ábrego García, a man wrongly deported to El Salvador despite having US protected status. These protests aim to build momentum for a sustained movement against authoritarian tendencies in the government.