Demonstrators against President Trump and his policies faced freezing temperatures across parts of the U.S. on Monday, chanting “No kings on Presidents Day” in cities along the East Coast and attempting to gain entry to the Arizona Statehouse to contest a bill that would enhance the rapidly evolving federal immigration enforcement.
In Florida and California, local news sources reported on hundreds of participants engaging in “Not my Presidents Day” protests. The “No Kings” theme was organized by the 50501 Movement and represented the second wave of protests occurring nationwide in less than two weeks. A similar event on February 5 saw participation in numerous cities. Both sets of gatherings criticized Mr. Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk, who leads the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, which the administration claims is designed to reduce federal spending.
Nearly 1,000 individuals marched through the snow from the Statehouse to City Hall in Boston, chanting “Elon Musk must go” and other slogans. The temperature was below freezing, with wind chills reaching the teens.
Boston protesters, some donning Revolutionary War-era attire, displayed signs with messages like “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” One sign featured a depiction of Uncle Sam saying, “I Want You to Resist.”
“I felt it was vital to be here on Presidents Day to advocate for the principles America represents,” stated Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who attended the rally with her two teenage sons. “American values do not align with the interests of the wealthy elite.”
Organizers of the Monday protests, which were concentrated on state capitals and major cities such as Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were addressing “anti-democratic and illegal actions by the Trump administration and its affluent backers.”
One sign at the rally that drew hundreds in the nation’s capital read, “Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump.”
Numerous demonstrations were planned for cities experiencing sub-zero temperatures as a polar vortex swept across the nation.
The rallies followed a series of executive actions from Mr. Trump and came shortly after layoffs across federal agencies aimed at reducing the government workforce.
In Phoenix, hundreds of protesters assembled outside the Capitol, brandishing signs stating “No Kings” and “Resist Fascism.” Security personnel prevented protesters from entering the building after some attempted to do so. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would mandate law enforcement across Arizona to align with federal immigration policy.
Protest organizer December Archer expressed her intention to maintain civility throughout the event. She immediately intervened between a protester and a security guard, who was pushing the individual back through the door.
“We’re focused on ensuring the event remains civil and respectful because we aim to express a message, not to become part of the problem,” Archer noted.
A Senate committee deliberated over the measure in a crowded room, where it was approved along party lines, according to CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV.
The station quoted the bill’s sponsor, Senate President Warren Petersen, stating, “Following the last four years of disorder at our border, it is essential that every level of government backs efforts to protect our communities from the dangers posed by illegal immigration. As a border state, Arizona must empower our law enforcement to enforce our laws and assist the Trump Administration’s initiatives in this matter.”
Critics assert that the proposed measure, along with other anti-illegal immigration bills, fosters racial profiling, family separation, and squanders taxpayer resources.
“These types of bills are formulated to politicize an issue that deals with our humanity,” remarked former state lawmaker Raquel Terán during an interview with KPHO. “This is not a priority for the voters in Arizona.”
Demonstrators also turned out in numerous other cities, including Denver, Dallas, Annapolis, Maryland, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.
CBS News Miami reported that counter-demonstrations supporting Mr. Trump took place in West Palm Beach, including a gathering outside Trump International Golf Club.
The initiative “50501,” which denotes “50 protests, 50 states, one day,” is a grassroots movement aimed at opposing the policies and actions of the second Trump administration.
