Politics

On Beacon Hill, hundreds protest Trump’s first two weeks, Elon Musk’s DOGE

The demonstration was one of many across the country, joining the national 50501 Movement, which promoted 50 protests in 50 states in one day.

Demonstrators at the Massachusetts State House Wednesday. (David L Ryan/Globe Staff )

February 5, 2025

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Hundreds of people gathered at the Massachusetts State House Wednesday as part of a nation-wide movement to protest President Donald Trump’s policies and Elon Musk’s involvement in the Executive Branch, according to multiple reports.

Demonstrators met in front of the State House in Boston at noon Wednesday to “say no to fascism.” The protest was one of many across the country, joining the national 50501 Movement, which promoted 50 protests in 50 states in one day.

Signs at the protest had phrases like “Save our democracy,” “Defend freedom, reject fascism,” “Down with the clown,” and “We the people reject Project 2025.” Protesters also had signs that said “Immigrants make America great,” and “do not be nice to ICE.”

Protesters organize against Project 2025 in front of the Massachusetts State House. *(Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)*

The protest is one of the first large demonstrations in the city since Inauguration Day. In the two weeks of the new administration, Trump has challenged birthright citizenship, repealed trans rights, indicated a plan to own Gaza, and given Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency access to private and classified information.

Organizer Natalie Nuñez, of Roxbury, told The Boston Globe that she expected around 100 people to show up, but several hundred people demonstrated through 4 p.m., at times blocking Beacon and Park streets.

“With Massachusetts being a blue state and the Democrats being a little bit complacent, we just need people to make more moves, complain to state reps and senators more to pressure them — because if we pressure them, they’ll do something,” Nuñez told the Globe.

Marches in 50 states including Boston on the front steps of the Massachusetts State House *David L Ryan/Globe Staff*

Democrats have raised concerns about Musk’s access to multiple government agencies, which one historian called a “coup.” Signs said “deport Elon” with chants that “Elon Musk has got to go, the Globe reported. (Musk was born in South Africa.)

Sen. Ed Markey and supporters rallied outside the Treasury Department Tuesday night to protest DOGE’s allegedly unchecked role, writing on X that “No one elected Elon Musk.”