A pro-democracy group of grassroots activism protesters in West Palm Beach, Florida, holding up various signs with political messages, including ones opposing Trump and Nazis.

What is the 50501 Movement? Grassroots Activism for Democracy

Jump to details about the next protest on March 4th, 2025.

50 protests. 50 States. 1 Movement. Taking the Nation by Storm.

Born on Reddit during the early days of the Trump administration’s 2nd term in office, the 50501 Movement sparked a groundswell of grassroots activism. They call for our democracy to be upheld and protected. #50501 protests are popping up across the country.

But what is the 50501 movement? The name was inspired by the first protest that aimed to create 50 protests in 50 states in 1 day, uniting in protest against authoritarianism and executive overreach. The 50501 protests stand for equality, justice, and protecting the rights of the American people over the rights of corporations and billionaires.

A white Tesla car visible amidst protesters at the courthouse in West Palm Beach, FL, during the 50501 Movements protest on 02/17/25.
A Tesla drives by as protesters wave signs calling out Elon Musk by name.

The first #50501 protests were a decentralized rapid response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration.

February 5th, 2025 was the first organized #50501 protest held outside all 50 Statehouses in the country. Leading up to the first protest, many folks wanted to participate but getting to their Statehouse was not feasible. Cue organic grassroots efforts across the nation. People came together and organized countless protests at city halls and other government buildings nationwide. At least 80 #50501 protests took place nationwide. Local communities came together to peacefully voice their demand that elected officials uphold the Constitution.

 Protesters gather at the courthouse in West Palm Beach, FL, holding signs for the 50501 Movement's nationwide protest on February 17th.
Anti-fascist protests take to the streets nationwide.

What caused this grassroots activism for democracy to take shape so quickly?

Sweeping immigration reform ignited by the Republicans and Trump’s campaign promises, including attempts to end birthright citizenship were immediately met with resistance. As the Trump administration began implementing their plan through a flurry of executive orders and policy directives, concerned Floridians have been quick to raise concerns. With immigration policy, economic instability, corruption, LGBTQ+ rights, foreign policy, and women’s access to reproductive healthcare among the top issues.

On the campaign trail, Trump dismissed voters’ concerns surrounding Project 2025, a policy roadmap devised by conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation. But, upon taking office, the Trump administration immediately began implementing many of Project 2025’s recommendations.

A crowd of individuals at the West Palm Beach courthouse, holding signs and a banner proclaiming "corruption," as part of a nationwide protest.
Protests erupt quickly following the 2nd term of Donald J Trump. Corruption is a core concern of the #50501 Movement

Organic social media content is the lifeblood of fast-moving grassroots activism. 50501 protesters quickly saw their online activity spread across the internet amplifying their collective voice across the U.S. and the world. As the week progressed, Reddit threads were ablaze with stories of people wrongfully suffering under the new administration.

Is the administration targeting individual citizens unlawfully?

One disturbing report we covered in the first week of the new administration, is of a West Palm comedian being charged with terroristic threats for making jokes about POTUS on Facebook. Is free speech and freedom of expression under attack?

A group of protesters gathers at the courthouse in West Palm Beach, displaying signs and taking photos during the 50501 protest.
Crowds are significantly larger at the second #50501 protest.

Round Two: The 50501 Movement Grows with President’s Day Protests

Tens of thousands of Americans declared “No Kings Day” sharing a clear message, Americans will not sit idly by as billionaires ransack the nations cherished institutions under the guise of bureaucratic reform.

During the protest, downtown West Palm Beach saw over 400 people at the peak of lunch hour marching against fascism. The 50501 movement has united young and old alike, inspiring the community to protect democracy through activism.

grassroots activism for democracy

Grassroots activism for democracy is not new in America, but something feels different this time. Is real change on the horizon?

How impactful was this grassroots activism for democracy?

According to FOX News over 20,000 people attended the 50501 nationwide protest on February 5th, 2025. From that, one could estimate 100,000 concerned citizens may have gathered on President’s Day. They united in protest against our President and the politicians who support him. People gathered at 100’s of different protests outside Statehouses, city halls, and other government buildings. 50501 social media followings exploded and volunteers poured in as the protests gained worldwide recognition. Inter-national media covered rallies across the country making a clear statement on President’s Day.

A female pro-democracy protester sitting on the edge of the sidewalk holds a sign that says "Wake up! Before it's too LATE!!"
A sign from a concerned protester sends a stark message.

Can a grassroots movement really drive change?

The American constitution enshrines the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government. From the abolition of slavery to women’s suffrage and the civil rights movement, America’s long history of grassroots activism demonstrates the power of collective action. 

Research by Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist at Harvard University, showed that just 3.5% of a country’s population needs to actively participate in the protests to ensure serious political change. With the groundswell of opposition to the Trump administration’s implementation of Project 2025 initiatives, 3.5% of the population may well be within reach.

The 50501 movement began with a single Reddit thread; today that thread has over 180,000 members. Meanwhile the 50501 website shares a tool kit of information enabling anyone to start their own protest in their community. This is expanding the movement’s reach and enabling a quick response to the Trump administration’s actions.

grassroots activism for democracy sign says eat the rich, a symbolic message
Messages capturing the symbolism of the moment.

What’s next for 50501?

Immigrants, minorities, political foes, and even allied countries are all in the crosshairs of the Trump administration as what at times seems like an agenda based on revenge unfolds.

The 50501 movement based on equality and justice that demands account-ability from our government. 50501 is calling on all concerned citizens to join them in defending democracy from Trump’s authoritarian overreach.

A grassroots movement, 50501 has no hierarchy or leadership. As such, anyone concerned about the actions of the current administration can take the initiative. Organize in YOUR community and continue to grow the movement based on pro-democracy activism. Remaining peaceful, the #50501 Movement is committed to nonviolence and de-escalation.

The next 50501 nationwide day of protest is March 4th, 2025. Search for your local protest by visiting the 50501 website. Don’t have one close by yet? Grab a friend and start your own with a protest starter kit provided by #50501.

Policeman on bicycle rides by protesters waiving signs outside the Palm Beach County Courthouse
#50501 is committed to peaceful protests.

So what really is the 50501 Movement?

A grassroots movement based on peaceful activism for protecting our democracy from authoritarianism.

From what I saw when I joined the West Palm Beach protest, the movement is made up of a diverse group of people from my local community. They care about other people and feel their patriotic duty is to stand up and speak out. Among protesters there was a consensus that a return to truth and transparency is essential in a time when our elected officials intentionally blur the lines of reality and promote propaganda.

Protester with bullhorn leads a chant during protest
Protesters remained outside the courthouse for over 5 hours on President’s Day.

To learn more you can visit the 50501 website. Join them across social media channels including Bluesky, and of course in the Reddit thread that started it all. Additionally, you can join a protest and see for yourself.

March 4th Against Monarchy

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Check out our photo gallery of pro-democracy local grassroots activism in action:

February 5th, 2025 #50501 protest in West Palm Beach, FL

February 17th, 2025 #50501 protest in West Palm Beach, FL

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