Fresh Wave of Anti-Trump Protests Sweep US Cities

Thousands of demonstrators gathered across major US cities on Saturday in a renewed wave of protests against former President Donald Trump and his hard-line policies.

In New York, crowds assembled outside the main public library, holding placards with slogans such as "No Kings in America" and "Resist Tyranny." Protesters denounced Trump’s immigration agenda, chanting “No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” in opposition to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency’s crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Similar scenes unfolded in Washington, where demonstrators expressed fears that Trump’s actions were undermining the rule of law and constitutional protections.

"This administration is directly assaulting the principle of due process and the idea that government should not abuse its power," said Benjamin Douglas, a 41-year-old protester outside the White House. Holding a sign calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil—a student activist arrested last month—Douglas warned of rising xenophobia and eroding civil liberties.

In New York, 73-year-old Kathy Valy, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, said her parents’ stories of Nazi Germany echoed today’s political climate. “The scary part is how familiar this all feels. The difference is Trump is far less intelligent than Hitler. He’s being manipulated, and his team is in chaos,” she said.

Public health concerns also fueled the protests. Daniella Butler, a 26-year-old immunology PhD student at Johns Hopkins University, criticised the administration’s disregard for science and health. Holding a map of Texas marked with measles outbreaks, she pointed to vaccine misinformation promoted by top officials. “When science is ignored, people die,” she said.

In conservative-leaning Texas, a small but determined group gathered in Galveston. “This is my fourth protest,” said 63-year-old writer Patsy Oliver. “Normally, I’d wait for the next election—but now, we’ve lost too much to stay silent.”

On a San Francisco beach, hundreds formed the words “IMPEACH + REMOVE” in the sand, while others held an upside-down US flag — a signal of national distress.

The protests were coordinated by the activist group 50501, representing 50 protests in 50 states and one unified movement. The group reported around 400 demonstrations nationwide and emphasised peaceful protest. Its platform described the movement as a response to “anti-democratic and illegal actions” by Trump and his allies.

Though turnout fell short of the mass rallies held on 5 April, organisers hope the growing frustration over immigration raids, public sector cuts, and pressure on institutions will spark lasting mobilisation.