Key takeaways from the recent protests:

• Demonstrations occurred in cities nationwide, condemning policies by Trump and Musk.
• Protesters highlighted issues such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
• The hashtag movements #buildtheresistance and #50501 were pivotal in organizing the protests.

Demonstrators turned out in cities across the U.S. on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump’s early policy changes, including immigration crackdowns, the rollback of transgender rights, and controversial proposals affecting Palestinians in Gaza. Protests were particularly prevalent in Philadelphia and at various state capitols such as those in California, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana. As part of a collective effort that has been organized online under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which represents "50 protests, 50 states, one day," demonstrators expressed their dissent against what they termed as a threat to democracy.

Among the criticisms voiced was directed at billionaire Elon Musk, who is helming the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Protesters held signs denouncing the implications of Musk's access to sensitive government data and the policies backed by Project 2025, described as a hard-right blueprint for governance and society. “I’m appalled by democracy’s changes in the last, well, specifically two weeks — but it started a long time ago,” remarked Margaret Wilmeth, a protester in Columbus, Ohio, echoing the sentiments of many who gathered to show their resistance. The sentiment of fear and alarm over recent policy shifts was palpable, with protesters calling for accountability and action from Congress.

In Michigan, Catie Miglietti captured attention with a sign depicting Musk as a puppeteer controlling Trump, asserting, “If we don’t stop it and get Congress to do something, it’s an attack on democracy.” Concerns over Musk’s involvement with DOGE have ranged from fears that it could pose security risks to the potential for disruptions in essential services such as Social Security and Medicare. In response, a Treasury Department official reassured that a tech executive working with DOGE would have "read-only access" to necessary data.

Across the U.S., protests continued to swell in numbers. Demonstrators gathered in downtown Austin, Texas, and in Atlanta, where they congregated at Centennial Olympic Park before marching to the state Capitol. While protests in Denver coincided with actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, gatherings in Alabama rallied against state-specific legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Governor Kay Ivey’s commitment to sign a bill recognizing only two genders resonated deeply with attendees, including Reverend Julie Conrady, who stated, "The president thinks he has a lot of power; he does not have the power to determine your gender. He does not have the power to define your identity."

For more details, visit the original articles from LA Times, South China Morning Post, and India Times.