A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday.
That includes in St. Paul, Minnesota where a crowd of people gathered on the State Capitol steps chanting, "Hey hey, oh no, Elon Musk has got to go," referencing the White House advisor that Trump has put in charge of cutting government spending through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
"I think it's extremely important that people are doing stuff in person and being physically and personally active in the government process," said Dave who spoke to WCCO at the march. "That was something we were discussing. I feel like a lot of times these days people are limited to just online only involvement, and it's just more so, just doing something in person."
Hundreds made their way from St. Paul Tech to the steps of the Capitol to fight what they're calling tyranny, and stand up against President Trump's actions. Plenty of chants and signs demonstrating. Those in attendance say this is what democracy looks like, that the power is with the people. They add that they are gathered to fight not to follow in the footsteps of 1930s Germany, that this fight against hatred, oligarchy, racism, and fascism is just the beginning.
"I want to make my voice heard," Amorette Robeck," says. "I want to continually make my voice heard. Residents don't have a lot of individual power. The power is in our voices to make it known to all representatives in the Senate, the House, and all parts of government, that we do not agree with what's going on. The taking away of human rights, and immigration needs better reform and not just mass deportations. Also women's rights and LGBTQAI+ community."
The movement has organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Many of the protests are planned at state capitols, with some in other cities.
The movement has websites and accounts across social media. Flyers circulating online decry Project 2025, a hard-right playbook for American government and society, and include messages such as “reject fascism” and “defend our democracy.” In a coffee shop just a block from Michigan’s Capitol, organizers of a planned action there Wednesday pushed together tables, spreading out poster boards to write messages that read “No Deportations Ever!” and “Workers Unite!”
Kelsey Brianne, a key organizer of Michigan’s rally, called it a “real grassroots effort.” She learned about the movement Sunday night and has been coordinating speakers and safety protocols.
“I got involved because I knew that there was a need, and I knew what I could do,” Brianne said Tuesday. “But also I want to look back at this time and say that I did something and I didn’t just sit back.”
Trump has signed a series of executive orders in the first couple of weeks of his new term on everything from trade and immigration to climate change. As Democrats begin to raise their voice in opposition to Trump’s agenda, protests have also begun.
On Sunday, thousands of people marched against Trump’s plan for large-scale deportations in Southern California, including in downtown Los Angeles, where protests shut down a major freeway for hours.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.