Nationwide Protests Planned in US Against Trump's Policies
A coalition of activist groups is organizing protests at over 1,600 locations across the United States on Thursday to oppose President Donald Trump's policies on mass deportations and cuts to healthcare programs. The national day of action, themed "Good Trouble Lives On," honors the legacy of late civil rights leader John Lewis. Major demonstrations are planned in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Oakland, marking the latest wave of public pushback against the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and social spending cuts.
Unpacked:
Activists are protesting the administration's expansion of expedited removals nationwide, elimination of protections for sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, targeting of relief programs such as DACA and TPS, and proposals to use military resources and federal agencies for immigration enforcement—all of which aim to increase deportations and reduce legal immigration pathways.
Trump’s proposed and implemented healthcare cuts have primarily targeted Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, reducing access for low-income individuals, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. Many fear these cuts will increase uninsured rates and worsen health disparities, especially in marginalized communities who rely more heavily on public healthcare programs.
The theme 'Good Trouble Lives On' honors John Lewis, who championed nonviolent protest and 'good trouble'—civil disobedience to fight injustice. Organizers draw on Lewis’s legacy to frame their actions as a continuation of his civil rights activism, emphasizing the importance of disrupting unjust systems for positive social change.
Previous protests, such as those following the family separation policy and attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, have drawn hundreds of thousands nationwide. These actions have raised public awareness, influenced court decisions, and pressured lawmakers, though direct policy reversals have been limited. Protests remain a significant tool for mobilizing political opposition and shaping public debate.