The new wave of protests against Donald Trump in the United States, reported on April 20, 2025, is a response to a series of policies and actions implemented during his second term, which began on January 20, 2025. These protests, part of a broader movement including the \”Hands Off!\” events of April 5 and the 50501 demonstrations on April 19, reflect discontent with measures perceived as undemocratic, economically damaging, and socially divisive.
Key Drivers of Protests
The April 20, 2025 protests, described as the “second wave” of demonstrations since Trump took office, are driven by a combination of factors:
Economic Policies and Tariffs:
Import Tariffs: Trump implemented 10% global tariffs on April 2, 2025, dubbed “Liberation Day.” These tariffs caused a significant drop in the stock market, with trillions of dollars lost in two days, affecting retirement savings and education funds.
Impact on the Economy: Protesters expressed concerns about soaring inflation and the risk of a recession, with Senator Ted Cruz warning of a potential “bloodbath” in the 2026 election due to a trade war.
Benefit Cuts: There are concerns that cuts to the Social Security Administration and retiree benefits, linked to the Elon Musk-led Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE), could threaten the financial security of many Americans.
Government Dismantling and Mass Layoffs:
Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Led by Elon Musk, the DOGE has laid off more than 200,000 federal workers and attempted to dismantle agencies such as the Department of Education and USAID. Protesters see this as an attempt to consolidate presidential power and undermine democracy.
Agency Closures: The reorganization of the Social Security Administration and the closing of field offices has sparked unrest, affecting 73 million beneficiaries.
Authoritarian Concerns: Criticism has called it a “billion-dollar coup” led by Musk, an unelected official, with protesters denouncing the influence of “corrupt oligarchs.”
Immigration and Deportation Policies:
Mass Deportations: The Trump administration has stepped up its immigration crackdown, with detentions of foreign students and deportations, including missteps such as the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a legal resident of Maryland.
Pro-Migrant Protests: On April 19, protesters in New York City carried signs such as “Protect Migrants, Protect the Planet,” expressing solidarity with deported migrants and criticizing Trump’s “deportation machine.”
Civil Rights: The revocation of green cards, such as in the case of Mahmoud Khalil for pro-Palestine protests, has raised concerns about free speech.
Cuts to Social and Environmental Programs:
Health and Education: The administration has cut funding for health, research, and higher education programs, and threatened universities that maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Climate Action: The dismantling of climate initiatives has drawn criticism from activists, with protests highlighting the need to protect the environment.
LGBTQ+ and Trans Rights: Policies that reduce protections for trans people, especially children, have been the target of protests.
Opposition to Project 2025:
Project 2025, a conservative initiative to restructure the government, is seen as a threat to democracy. Protesters have denounced its proposals as fascist, including the consolidation of presidential power and the reduction of civil rights.
In Philadelphia, protests on April 19 referenced the democratic history of the United States, with slogans such as “No Kingship.”
International Conflicts:
Wars in Gaza and Ukraine: Protesters criticized Trump’s stance on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, with some carrying Palestinian and Ukrainian flags.
Foreign Policy: The reduction of foreign aid programs, such as USAID, was seen as an abandonment of global democratic commitments.
Discontent with Democratic Leadership:
Some protesters, such as Kim Jordan in Philadelphia, expressed frustration with the Democratic Party’s lack of action against Project 2025, feeling that the party was not listening to its grassroots.
Leaders such as Cory Booker and Barack Obama encouraged resistance, but the perception of inaction fueled community protests.
Context of the April 20, 2025 Protests
Scale: Thousands of people protested in cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, and others, with more than 700 events planned. While smaller than the April 5 protests (which had 1,300 rallies and 250,000 participants), the demonstrations on April 19 and 20 show continued resistance.
Organization: The group 50501 (“50 protests, 50 states, one day”) coordinated the April 19 events, inspired by the April 5 “Hands Off!” marches. The organization began on Reddit and spread across social media, focusing on community actions in addition to protests, such as food drives.
Slogans and Messages: Signs included “Workers should have the power,” “Stop arming Israel,” “Due process,” and “No kingship,” reflecting a wide range of concerns.
White House Response: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the protests won’t stop Trump, underscoring his determination
