Protesters across the nation gathered to oppose the Trump administration’s actions on Wednesday Feb. 5, 2025. These demonstrators covered topics from transgender rights, Project 2025 and Elon Musk’s presence in the federal government.
The protests were organized online by the anti-project 2025 organization, 50501 movement. The campaigners consisted of thousands of concerned citizens who want to fight against policies they feel are oppressive. The movement’s motto states: “when policies are designed to put Americans last, our voices must rise.” The cries rang out as citizens objected to the current deportation efforts, abortion bans and LGBTQ+ right restrictions.
Demonstrators gathered at the Utah State Capitol to participate. Their frustration was not only directed at President Donald Trump, but also at Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, which is led by Elon Musk.
“It’s Trump’s stepping on the Constitution that’s so hard for me,” shared Ogden, Utah resident Diana Hanebrink.
Citizens are not the only people to showcase worry. Members of Congress expressed concern that involving DOGE in the U.S. government payment system would lead to missed program payments for Social Security and Medicare as well as security risks.
This protest signals the first major public backlash against Trump since taking office for the second time in January. He has signed a total of 46 executive orders during his time in office. 
“We say Utah — we do things in Utah, but the federal government doesn’t. Now, the federal government’s doing things, and we’re going to react to him,” said Senate President Stuart Adams. “I think people are a little frustrated, but I also think President Trump’s moving forward, and it’s not going to be business as usual.”
Author: Anna Mower
Photos courtesy of Francisco Kjolseth
Editor: Heather Turner
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