GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Over 150 demonstrators gathered near Calder Plaza on President’s Day, voicing their opposition to what they describe as “anti-democratic” actions taken by President Donald Trump since he assumed office last month. The protest was part of a nationwide movement dubbed the “50501 protests,” which aims to hold protests in each of the 50 states for one unified cause.
Helen Kennedy, a protester from Greenville, expressed concern over what she saw as the erosion of democratic principles under the current administration. “I’m here to object to the recent overtaking of our government by Elon Musk and his infiltration of our agencies that protect us,” Kennedy said, referring to Musk’s increasing influence over government agencies, a concern that has resonated with many protestors.
The “50501 protests” gained traction after its initial demonstrations on February 5, which saw similar rallies in California, Minnesota, Michigan, and Texas. Since then, the movement has grown as Trump continues to sign executive orders that some believe undermine democratic institutions.
Carl Kelly, a resident of Grand Rapids, spoke to the crowd about the increasing concentration of power among a small group of wealthy elites. “I’m here to resist this takeover of our government from oligarchs and wealthy billionaires,” Kelly said. “It’s a takeover if you are going against the Constitution of this country.”
As the protests gained momentum, the frustration among demonstrators continued to grow. Many expressed their disillusionment with what they described as a government controlled by forces outside the will of the people. “It’s ridiculous to give up so much of our information to people we don’t know anything about,” one protester added. “We didn’t elect them. We elected Trump, and he double-crossed us.”
The protests, while relatively peaceful, are a reflection of the deepening divisions in American political life, as concerns about executive power, corporate influence, and the balance of democratic governance remain hot-button issues. With more protests planned across the nation, the “50501” movement is poised to be a major part of the ongoing political discourse in the coming months.
