23-05-2025
Anti-Trump Protest Planned for Memorial Day Weekend
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A series of protests against Donald Trump's administration will take place over the Memorial Day weekend.
The protests will take place in Mississippi and come as more than 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home.
Where are Protests Taking Place?
In Mississippi, there will be protests in Jackson, Hernando and Hattiesburg, organized by various groups including 50501, a decentralized, grassroots movement, named for "50 protests, 50 states, one day," and the group Indivisible DeSoto MS.
The Jackson protest will take place on Saturday in Southside at the Mississippi State Capitol Building.
Demonstrators protest near Trump National Golf Club Washington DC before the arrival of President Donald Trump in Sterling, Va., Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Demonstrators protest near Trump National Golf Club Washington DC before the arrival of President Donald Trump in Sterling, Va., Thursday, May 22, 2025.
AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.
The Hernando protest will start at the DeSoto County Courthouse on Saturday, 3 p.m. local time.
Why Are People Protesting?
There has been a wave of anti-Trump protests in recent weeks.
People are protesting to express their disapproval of policies Trump's administration has implemented including cuts overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Other protests have focused on Trump's immigration policies. Recent polls have shown Trump's approval rating at a historic low.
The last wave of protests under the "50501" movement took place on May Day. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside a golf course in Washington, D.C., on Thursday while Trump held a cryptocurrency gala dinner with people who bought $TRUMP crypto.
What People Are Saying
Mississippi protest organizers wrote in a press release: "This Memorial Day weekend, we stand together, peacefully but firmly, to demand a more responsible and responsive governance, and to uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual.
"We are coming together to address and challenge the reckless actions of the current administration, actions that we believe have far-reaching consequences for our communities and our nation.
"This is a crucial moment for us to unite our voices and collectively advocate for the principles we hold dear. We aim to shine a light on policies and decisions that undermine the well-being of the people, and to champion those individuals and groups who tirelessly strive to uplift and protect the interests of all citizens."
What Happens Next
Aside from protests, there will more than 130 Memorial Day public ceremonies hosted by the Department of Veteran Affairs across the U.S.
Meanwhile, activists are coordinating a protest on June 14, targeting a military-style parade planned by the Trump administration. This is Flag Day and Trump's birthday.
The "No Kings" group, which is organizing the protest, is recruiting volunteers online and working with local chapters in more than 30 states. Organizers say they expect thousands to participate in coordinated events, with more information to be released closer to June 14.
However, the extent to which people will be able to take part in protest may be hampered by 41 new anti-protest bills that have been introduced in 22 states in 2025 thus far, according to the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) tracker.