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'Rage Against the Regime' Protests Expand Across Nation for August 2

'Rage Against the Regime' Protests Expand Across Nation for August 2

Newsweek2 days ago
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.
Plans for a series of demonstrations dubbed the "Rage Against the Regime" protests have expanded across the nation in advance of their August 2 date.
Earlier this week, the 50501 movement, which is coordinating the protests, said that there were 300 protests set to take place against President Donald Trump this weekend. But on Friday, the figure was updated to 425.
Newsweek reached out to 50501 via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Since assuming office in January, Trump has been hit with multiple coordinated protests from different groups.
One took place on the Memorial Day weekend, while others targeted Flag Day and Trump's birthday. The protests have spanned international borders. Protesters in Scotland demonstrated against Trump's recent visit to the country.
Issues the American public has taken umbrage with include cuts overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump's tariff policies, and his handling of the economy more broadly, as well as his administration's response to files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, Trump still commands support from his base.
People protest against the policies of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk during a 50501 rally in Orlando on April, 19, 2025.
People protest against the policies of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk during a 50501 rally in Orlando on April, 19, 2025.
Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP
What To Know
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the protests, which will take place in all states in the country and in major cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston. The events are coordinated by 278 linked groups.
Organizers expressed concerns about the Epstein case, as well as cuts to government programs and agencies, in particular.
The name of the protest day is a play on the name of the rock band Rage Against the Machine, which is known for anti-authoritarian messages, though there is no suggestion that the band is affiliated with the protests.
What People Are Saying
In a press release, organizers called for "a mass mobilization to channel our collective rage against the Trump administration for its weaponization of ICE against our communities, construction of concentration camps, covering up the Epstein files, attacks on transgender rights, and its dismantling of Medicaid, SNAP, USAID, the Department of Education, NOAA, and the National Weather Service into collective action."
The Center for American Progress, Saturday on X: "If just 3.5% of Americans—12 million people—mobilize to peacefully protest the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration, it would be virtually impossible for the government to ignore their demands."
What Happens Next
The protests will take place in states across the U.S. on August 2. A list of the events planned is available on this website.
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