Protesters gathered outside the Florida Historic Capitol in Tallahassee on Presidents Day, February 17, 2025, to express their discontent with President Donald Trump and his administration, as well as Elon Musk, a key advisor in Trump’s team. The demonstration was part of a larger, nationwide movement aimed at challenging what many perceive as anti-democratic policies and plutocratic governance. The initiative, dubbed the “50501 Protests” — representing “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement” — brought together people from across the nation to voice their concerns.
Nationwide Protests Gain Momentum
The protests were organized as a response to what participants described as Trump’s “illegal and undemocratic actions” during his second term in office. Around 100 protesters gathered at the Capitol in Tallahassee, holding signs with slogans like “You’re fired, Diaper Don,” “Dump Trump,” and “Trump + Musk, You Can’t Trust.”
James Bates, a protester from Chattahoochee, shared his frustration, particularly regarding Trump’s past controversies, including allegations of misconduct, impeachments, and felonious behavior. “The fact that January 6 happened, and this country still allows him a path to power, is just insult to injury,” Bates stated.
The protest wasn’t just against Trump; Elon Musk, who has been a controversial figure in the administration, was also a focal point of criticism. Bates noted, “Musk and Trump represent an oligarchy that is tearing this country apart.”
Diverse Voices Call for Change
The demonstrators came from varied backgrounds, including government employees, veterans, nonprofit leaders, and retirees. Kelley Gibson, a resident of Stuart, Florida, drove seven hours to participate. She cited concerns over economic instability caused by federal layoffs and potential policy changes, including the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.
Misty Penton, a nonprofit founder from Tallahassee, highlighted the need for fostering better relationships both locally and globally. “It’s important to be good neighbors, not just with other nations like Mexico and Canada, but also within our own communities,” Penton said. She criticized Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” calling it a symbolic but misguided move that reflects a troubling worldview.
Concerns About National Parks and Public Resources
Retiree Phil Pouliot, a former Florida State Parks employee, voiced his fears about the administration’s impact on public lands and resources. Pouliot accused Musk, who leads the controversial “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), of prioritizing drastic budget cuts over preserving national institutions. “Musk thinks he’s cutting waste, but our National Parks system isn’t ‘fat’—it’s a treasure that’s been around for over 100 years,” Pouliot explained.
The cuts, which have already led to layoffs in agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, have sparked outrage. “These are real people, just like me, dedicated to protecting our natural resources. We can’t let that be gutted,” Pouliot added.
Fears for Social Security and National Security
Pouliot also expressed concern over the future of Social Security and military funding. He recently retired and worries that Musk and Trump might push for drastic changes to these programs, leaving retirees and service members vulnerable.
“My daughter serves in the Air Force, and I’m deeply worried about how these illegal executive orders could underfund the military and hurt families like ours,” Pouliot said.
Since the start of Trump’s second term, the administration has issued 65 executive orders on various topics, ranging from banning paper drinking straws to creating a sovereign wealth fund. Many protesters believe these rapid changes are being implemented without proper consideration for their long-term impact on the American people.
A Growing Movement
The Presidents Day protest in Tallahassee is part of a broader wave of demonstrations, signaling growing frustration with the administration’s policies. Protesters emphasized that they are standing up not just for themselves but for future generations.
“We’re fed up with policies that benefit only the top 1% while the rest of us struggle,” said Pouliot. “If we don’t take action now, we risk losing everything that makes this country great.”
As the protests continue to unfold across the nation, participants hope their collective voice will lead to meaningful change and accountability for those in power.
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