Roundup: Presidents Day protests challenge U.S. administration's policies

The protests on Monday marked the second nationwide event organized by the 50501 movement, following an earlier rally on Feb. 5. Demonstrations were planned in all 50 state capitals and major cities across the country.

The movement's primary goals include an investigation into billionaire Elon Musk's role in government and the reinstatement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

SACRAMENTO, United States, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States on Monday for organized protests against the U.S. administration's policies.

The protests, dubbed "Not My Presidents Day," were planned to coincide with Presidents Day, a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February each year.

The holiday originally honored George Washington, the first president of the United States, whose birthday was Feb. 22. Over time, it has evolved to celebrate the contributions of all U.S. presidents.

This year, the day was marked by protests and rallies organized by the 50501 movement, which stands for "50 states, 50 protests, 1 day," in multiple states.

In California, the most populated U.S. state, hundreds gathered at the State Capitol in Sacramento to demonstrate against the U.S. administration's policies.

San Francisco protesters assembled at City Hall and a Tesla showroom, while over 1,000 demonstrators marched in Oakland.

Hundreds rallied outside City Hall in Long Beach, and Palo Alto saw protesters rally near Tesla dealerships. Other cities, like Berkeley, Alameda, and San Diego, also saw peaceful protests.

Nevada demonstrations took place in two major cities. A protest was held at the State Capitol building in Carson City, while demonstrators gathered in front of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

Arizona saw some unrest during protests. Protesters at the State Capitol in Phoenix reportedly attempted to breach the building.

Colorado hosted multiple protests across the state, including a significant protest at the State Capitol in Denver, with demonstrators gathering from noon to evening.

On Monday afternoon, two protests were organized at the Utah State Capitol, followed by a march to Salt Lake City's Washington Square Park in the evening.

A crowd of roughly 250-300 people also rallied at the Wyoming Capitol Building, while a small group of counter-protesters gathered across the street at one point, local KGAB radio station reported.

The protests on Monday marked the second nationwide event organized by the 50501 movement, following an earlier rally on Feb. 5. Demonstrations were planned in all 50 state capitals and major cities across the country.

The movement originated on Reddit in late January when a user proposed the idea of a nationwide day of protest. It quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with over 123,000 members on its Reddit page and more than 600,000 on Discord.

The movement's primary goals include an investigation into billionaire Elon Musk's role in government and the reinstatement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Protesters also expressed concern about mass deportations and what they perceived as anti-democratic actions by the administration.  ■