People Gather to Protest "Illegal, Billionaire Power Grab" by Trump and Musk
Protests Spread Across the United States and Globally
People are gathering in cities all over the United States and globally to protest what they are calling an "illegal, billionaire power grab" by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The protests are being organized by over 150 different organizations, including civil rights groups, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates, and span more than 1,200 locations.
Protests Targeting Tesla Showrooms
Last weekend, "Tesla Takedown" protests targeted Tesla showrooms around the country to show disapproval for Musk, its CEO, who has spearheaded an effort to carry out mass federal workforce layoffs and hollow out government agencies. As Tesla’s sales have plummeted this quarter, Musk has threatened to "go after" the company’s critics, while the FBI has created a task force to investigate individual acts of vandalism and other actions aimed at the company.
Broader Protests Targeting Trump and Musk
The scope of these protests is much broader, targeting both Trump and Musk, who the Hands Off website accuses (accurately) of "shuttering Social Security offices, firing essential workers, eliminating consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid."
Protests Across the Country
Protests are taking place in major cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, as well as smaller towns and cities across the country. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, thousands of people gathered to protest, with photos showing a massive crowd. In Boston, thousands are seen in a video from today. In St. Paul, Minnesota, aerial footage showed a massive crowd gathered at the State Capitol building.
Protests Overseas
Protests are also taking place overseas, in cities like Berlin, Germany and London, England.
Protests in Small Towns
It’s not just major cities. Hundreds appear to have shown up to protest in cities like St. Augustine, Florida, which the US Census Bureau estimates has less than 16,000 people, and Riverhead, New York, where only about 36,000 people live. Cars honked in apparent support of a protest in Manhattan, Kansas (under 54,000 residents), according to the Bluesky user who posted this video. A similar scene plays out in this video, apparently taken in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a town of fewer than 4,000 people, today.
Gallery of Images
Here’s a gallery with some more images taken by Sato, Toman, and The Verge’s Chris Welch:
Conclusion
The protests are a display of widespread opposition to the actions of Trump and Musk, and a call to action for those who want to see a more just and equitable society.
FAQs
Q: What are the protests about?
A: The protests are about opposing what is being called an "illegal, billionaire power grab" by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Q: Who is organizing the protests?
A: The protests are being organized by over 150 different organizations, including civil rights groups, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates.
Q: How many locations are participating in the protests?
A: The protests span more than 1,200 locations across the United States and globally.
Q: Are the protests peaceful?
A: Yes, the protests are being described as peaceful and orderly, with attendees listening quietly to speakers and occasionally chanting in response.
