BOSTON — Protesters opposing the policies of the Trump administration braved frigid temperatures to hold rallies on Presidents Day, voicing their discontent with the current political climate.
Named “No Kings on Presidents Day,” the protests were organized by the 50501 Movement and followed a national event on February 5 that saw participation in numerous cities across the country. The demonstrations were characterized by vehement criticism of both President Trump and his advisor Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency aimed at reducing federal spending.
In Boston, nearly 1,000 participants marched in the snow from the Statehouse to City Hall, shouting slogans such as “Elon Musk has got to go” and “No kings on Presidents Day!” Despite wind chills plunging temperatures into the teens, spirits remained high among the crowd.
Some demonstrators were dressed in Revolutionary War-era attire, holding signs that read “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” A particularly striking sign featured Uncle Sam imploring, “I Want You to Resist.”
Emily Manning, a Boston engineer attending the rally with her two teenage sons, expressed her motivation for participating: “It’s important to stand for what America truly represents. American values do not align with the interests of the wealthy few.”
The organizers emphasized their aim to challenge “anti-democratic actions” by the Trump administration and its wealthy allies during the protests, which were held in several state capitals and major cities, including Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Seattle.
In the nation’s capital, a provocative sign read, “Deport Musk Dethrone Trump,” drawing attention from many onlookers.
The protests occurred as a polar vortex gripped the country, with many rallies taking place in cities experiencing harsh winter conditions.
These protests followed a series of executive actions taken by Trump and came shortly after significant layoffs across various federal agencies in an effort to trim the government workforce.
