Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States on Monday in coordinated "No Kings on Presidents Day" protests against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. The rallies, spanning major cities and state capitals, opposed Trump's executive actions and Musk's increasing influence over federal spending policies.
In Boston, over 1,000 protesters braved below-freezing temperatures, marching from the Statehouse to City Hall while chanting, "Elon Musk has got to go." Many carried signs reading, "This is a Coup" and "Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up." Some demonstrators wore Revolutionary War-style clothing in a symbolic nod to America's origins. "American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people," said Emily Manning, a 55-year-old engineer who attended the rally with her two teenage sons.
Washington, D.C., saw hundreds gather near the White House with signs reading, "Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump." Organizers of the protests, led by the activist group 50501 Movement, said the demonstrations aimed to highlight what they described as "anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies."
Protests also unfolded in Phoenix, where demonstrators assembled in front of the Arizona Capitol. Many carried signs declaring "No Kings" and "Resist Fascism." Tensions flared when a small group of protesters attempted to enter the building to attend a state Senate committee hearing on legislation requiring state law enforcement to support federal immigration enforcement. Security blocked access, leading to a brief standoff. "We're trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we're here to make a statement, not be the statement," said protest organizer December Archer.
The nationwide protests come as Trump's administration advances sweeping budget cuts and layoffs in federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the size of government. Musk, in his role overseeing federal efficiency measures, has backed aggressive cost-cutting policies that critics argue will disproportionately affect social programs. The demonstrations also followed recent executive orders, including those targeting birthright citizenship, which opponents argue violate constitutional protections.
In Florida and California, hundreds participated in "Not My Presidents Day" rallies, denouncing what they called Trump's "monarchical" approach to governance. Demonstrators in Orlando carried banners criticizing Musk's growing influence, while protesters in Los Angeles accused the administration of consolidating power among a small elite.
Despite the widespread turnout, the protests remained largely peaceful. In Boston, demonstrators moved from the Common to City Hall Plaza and eventually Faneuil Hall, shutting down city streets but avoiding confrontations with law enforcement. Boston police reported no arrests.
