With widespread protests erupting at state capitols and various federal agencies this month, demonstrators expressed their discontent through signs denouncing the decisions of a billionaire who is pursuing aggressive cuts to government programs. These actions have spurred many into action.

As progressive activists regain momentum during the second Donald Trump administration, Elon Musk has emerged as a significant target for their ire.

“He’s a particularly odious figure,” noted Ezra Levin, co-founder of the activist group Indivisible. “His popularity is even lower than Trump’s, which isn’t surprising given he’s an unelected billionaire—specifically, the wealthiest person globally—working to dismantle cancer research and nutrition assistance for the nation’s poorest children.”

Unlike the protests witnessed during Trump’s inauguration in 2017, the current political landscape has shifted. In the recent 2024 election, Trump secured the popular vote and Republicans gained control of both Congressional chambers, somewhat reducing opposition momentum. However, Musk’s rise in political influence has provided a rallying point for the left, prompting citizens nationwide to dust off their protest signs.

In Washington, groups like Indivisible have been organizing protests across various agencies, shadowing Musk’s team at the unofficial “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge) as they attempt to undermine social programs.

These demonstrations aim to convey frustration towards both Musk and Trump while also urging Democratic leaders to collaborate more effectively with organizations such as Indivisible as they position themselves as the opposition party. Levin highlights that Democratic officials have not taken a prominent role in the resistance, motivating grassroots activists to push for action.

Levin believes that even in Musk’s absence, the controversial actions of the Trump administration would still inspire protests, as it provides ample targets for dissent.

“Musk is an especially contentious figure, and he provides a clear foe to unite against,” Levin remarked. “We anticipated some backlash, but never expected the wealthiest man in the world to declare via tweet that the Department of Education is obsolete. That’s just absurd.”

Outside of Washington, a budding protest movement has emerged, ignited by frustration among individuals eager to express their dissatisfaction with Trump without waiting for guidance. This initiative began in late January with a spontaneous Reddit post that set a date—February 5—for protests across all 50 states. Now known as 50501 (symbolizing 50 states, 50 protests, one day), the organization claims participation from 80 cities on that date. Initially, established left-leaning groups were hesitant about the inexperience of the organizers.

The movement is planning another demonstration on Presidents’ Day, February 17, branding it the “Not My President’s Day of Action.” Social media discussions center around resisting dictators and “tech bros” and combatting the perceived abuse of power seen during the second Trump administration.

The 50501 initiative is actively fostering connections with activists nationwide and planning additional protests, shared an organizer named Sydney, who preferred not to disclose her last name. Despite her lack of prior organizing experience, she initiated efforts for the February 5 protest in Pennsylvania after noticing a gap in social media activity regarding the event.

“I decided to take the initiative myself. I learned incredibly quickly. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she reflected.

Levin hopes that attendees of protests will discover further avenues to engage. He pointed out that many local Indivisible chapters formed on the return trips from the Women’s March in 2017.

Indivisible chapters have steadily increased across the country, and Levin has noticed more groups registering now compared to the same time frame in 2017. Chapters from all 50 states participated in organizing 300 events at local Senate offices, advocating for senators to reject Russ Vought’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget.

While initially feeling “deeply frustrated” by the lack of strong responses from Democratic leadership regarding the funding freeze that caused widespread turmoil, Levin’s group orchestrated a “Nobody Elected Elon” protest at the Treasury Department, which drew participation from elected Democratic officials.

During a protest at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on February 10, Levin facilitated the introduction of 17 Congress members, querying each whether they would withhold their votes on upcoming funding bills. Remarkably, 16 out of 17 responded affirmatively, often before he completed the question. The one who hesitated, California representative Brad Sherman, was met with chants of “withhold your vote” from the crowd.

Though the long-term impact of these efforts remains uncertain, Quinta Jurecic, a governance studies fellow at the Brookings Institution, remarked in a New York Times interview that protests outside the Department of Labor prompted a real-time meeting about policies that later transitioned online.

Some Democrats have privately expressed concerns that groups like Indivisible and MoveOn are exerting excessive pressure on them, especially given the Republican Party’s control over the government, as detailed by a recent Axios report. Facing relentless calls, Representative Don Beyer conveyed: “We have consistently asked for constituents to communicate with Republican members.”

Republicans are also feeling the pressure; Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska reported to the Washington Post on February 7 that the Senate experienced an overwhelming call volume of 1,600 per minute, with concerns primarily directed at Musk and his operations.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic representative from New York, shared on Instagram that the deluge of calls to her Republican colleagues signals heightened public mobilization and frustration. “However, we must maintain pressure,” she emphasized.

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