More than 1K rally outside Olympia Capitol in '50 states, 50 protests' demonstration

Yahoo

06-02-2025

The Brief
Over 1,000 protesters gathered outside the Washington State Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday for the "50 States – 50 Protests" movement.
Protesters held signs and chanted slogans against what they describe as divisive and oppressive policies enacted by the Trump administration.
Among the key issues uniting protesters were reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant rights.
OLYMPIA, Wash. - More than a thousand demonstrators gathered outside the Washington State Capitol on Wednesday as part of the "50 States – 50 Protests" movement, a grassroots effort opposing President Donald Trump's policies.
The movement, which started on social media, has sparked protests across the country.
What they're saying
Despite frigid temperatures and snowfall, protesters held signs and chanted slogans against what they describe as divisive and oppressive policies enacted by the administration.
"The driving force behind this movement is to investigate the actions of the current administration," said Kyle Bozich, a grassroots organizer.
The demonstrations follow a series of executive orders issued by President Trump, including a recent ban on transgender athletes participating in women's sports. Protesters claim these policies are harming marginalized communities and restricting fundamental rights.
"Democracy is at stake," said one protester.
A U.S. Navy veteran in attendance expressed deep concerns about Trump's leadership.
"Trump is determined to destroy the country and reform it into his own," the veteran, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.
Local perspective
Social media has played a key role in organizing these demonstrations, which have taken place in multiple cities.
Many attendees voiced frustration over Project 2025, a conservative think tank document outlining Republican priorities, which some fear could restrict reproductive rights and slash funding for essential services.
Roxanne, a Bainbridge resident, said she reached a breaking point watching the news.
"I got tired as another woman and I were screaming at the television. I couldn't take it anymore. Every new piece of information that was happening in our government was so upsetting to me that I needed to take action," she said.
Among the key issues uniting protesters were reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant rights.
Angelica Tuitoulau, an 18-year-old Tacoma resident, attended the rally with her family, carrying a Mexican flag.
"Equality and standing up for my people—because knowing what's going around, it's pretty bad. I don't want my people to be put through that stuff when they don't deserve it," Tuitoulau said.
Some protesters also raised concerns over the influence of billionaire Elon Musk in government affairs.
"We're talking about investigating the actions of Elon Musk, especially in his treasury fiasco," Bozich said. "We're afraid that the consolidation of power is happening, that power will shift aggressively into the hands of a few people—like authoritarians, oligarchs, dictators."
The other side
While the overwhelming majority of demonstrators opposed Trump, one person showed up in support of the former president. The protest remained peaceful, with participants hoping their message would reach lawmakers in session.
"Just because you're the president, it doesn't mean you're going to make America great again. The people will take control of that themselves," Tuitoulau said.
Protesters also voiced opposition to Trump's pardoning of individuals convicted in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot and his executive orders on immigration.
Organizers say they will continue to rally, demanding accountability and action from elected officials.
Activists and community members are also set to gather at Alki Beach in West Seattle on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. for a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Source
Information in this story is from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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