SUNDAY April 20, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Thousands of demonstrators gathered across the United States on Saturday for coordinated protests against President Donald Trump’s recent actions, including the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national mistakenly removed from the country, ARISE News reports.
Branded “50501” — short for “50 protests, 50 states, one movement” — the demonstrations coincided with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, with participants drawing parallels between the current political climate and the historical fight against monarchy.
Protesters assembled outside the White House, Tesla dealerships, and central squares in major cities. Many carried signs reading “No Kings”, highlighting what they perceive as authoritarian tendencies within the Trump administration. Demonstrations were largely peaceful, though a video posted by Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, showed a Trump supporter angrily confronting protesters.
A key issue fuelling the protests was the administration’s refusal to facilitate the return of Ábrego García, who was deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act despite having no criminal convictions. The Supreme Court recently ruled he must be allowed to contest his removal, though the Trump administration has so far insisted he “will never” be allowed back.
“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” said Thomas Bassford, who joined the Boston protest with his family. “I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
Others, like Gihad Elgendy, protested directly outside the White House, demanding accountability. “Trump could easily pressure El Salvador to bring him back,” he told CNN.
The protests also took aim at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a Trump initiative slashing government jobs and services. Demonstrators accused the department of undermining federal institutions and weakening protections for marginalised communities.
Though political protests have become increasingly common, Saturday’s actions followed larger demonstrations earlier this month, which drew hundreds of thousands in 1,200 locations across the nation.
Meanwhile, Trump’s approval ratings continue to slide. According to Gallup, his approval fell to 45% in the first quarter, down from 47% at the start of his term in January. A Reuters/Ipsos poll similarly recorded a dip in economic approval, with just 37% backing his handling of the economy — down from 42% on Inauguration Day.
