The grassroots organizations 50501 Movement and Political Revolution are partnering to organize a nationwide day of action on February 17—Presidents Day—under the banner “Not My Presidents Day.”
The event, set to take place in all 50 states, is aimed at opposing policies enacted by President Donald Trump since his return to the White House.
Why It Matters
The 50501 Movement, named for its goal of holding protests in all 50 states on a single day, recently emerged as a major anti-Trump activist group. Organizers cite their opposition to Trump’s recent executive actions, including changes to immigration policy and federal agency restructuring, as key motivators for the upcoming protests. According to GV Wire, the movement’s organizers describe their mission as a fight against “fascism” and a call for “government accountability.”
Political Revolution, a group initially created to support Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid, partnered with the 50501 Movement to host the nationwide anti-Trump protests on February 5. The groups say they oppose Trump policies that they argue undermine democracy and civil rights, including what they perceive as a conservative-driven agenda under Project 2025, a framework backed by some of Trump’s allies to overhaul the federal government.
What Is the 50501 Movement?
The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative organizing mass protests against the Trump administration’s policies. The name derives from the movement’s goal: 50 states, 50 protests, in one day. According to the organization’s website, the ideal was born on Reddit and spread by word of mouth via social media.
What To Know
Unlike the February 5 rallies, the 50501 organizers are encouraging a “day of action” for President’s Day. The group posted to Instagram that it’s “asking you again to gather or participate in other ways.” The post goes on to suggest that followers should attend or organize a protest, strategize with other local organizers, inundate their representatives with calls and emails and take a moment of self-care in solidarity.
“Every small act contributes to a powerful collective movement,” the post says.
The February 5 rallies were held at state capitols and other key locations nationwide, with large demonstrations in cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Organizers have stressed that the events are intended to be peaceful and have encouraged participants to coordinate with local authorities where necessary.
“This movement is about more than just one day—it’s about standing firm in our beliefs and seeing it through, no matter the challenges we may face,” 50501 organizers stated in a social media post.
50501 Movement and Political Revolution organizers believe their partnership will help them reach more activists and ensure sustained engagement beyond February 17.
Where Are the “Not My Presidents Day” Protests Happening?
A national press liaison for 50501 told Newsweek of the February 5 rallies: “I can’t speak to individual states, however, I know that overall the turnout for these protests was larger than expected. Eighty cities participated, with tens of thousands of people showing up nationally.”
The representative added, “After the ‘Not My Presidents Day’ of action, we will likely quickly regroup to plan another action, however we do not have anything planned as of yet.”
Here is a list of cities that are currently planning “Not My Presidents Day” protests and events:
What People Are Saying
A national press liaison for 50501 told Newsweek: “As for the ‘Not My Presidents Day’ protests, we’re pushing that as more of a ‘day of action,’ which would include email and phone banking, participating in volunteer activities that directly help those affected by Trump’s policies, donating to charities, etc. There will still primarily be protests, though.”
One Reddit user by the name u/Going2BeLate posted: “The protests last week were fun, safe, well-run and peaceful with people of all ages. If people don’t get out nothing will change.”
Another Reddit user by the name u/NobodyCares82 posted in the same thread: “Just to be clear which president are we protesting? Trump, Musk, or both?”
Cristin Wormuth, who helped organize the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, demonstration, previously told Newsweek: “I can see how our democracy is being eroded, and the foundational principles of our country are being challenged in a way that will do irreparable harm to our nation. Regardless of what political party someone supports, all Americans should protect our constitutional rights.”
What Happens Next
Organizers have indicated that the “day of action” on February 17 will not be their final event. Discussions are already underway for additional demonstrations in the coming months, with some activists suggesting another coordinated protest on March 5.
Updated on 2/17/25 at 10:15 a.m. ET to update the location of the Washington, D.C. protest.
