‘No kings on Presidents day’ protests target President Trump, Elon Musk 

A previous event on February 5 saw rallies in multiple cities, all condemning Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk, head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, a body tasked with reducing federal spending.

Demonstrators rally during the “No Kings Day” protest on Presidents Day in Washington, in support of federal workers and against recent actions by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, on Capitol Hill in Washington Monday. (AP)

In Boston, nearly 1,000 protesters marched from the Statehouse to City Hall despite sub-zero temperatures and strong winds. They chanted slogans like “Elon Musk has got to go” and carried signs reading “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.”

Some demonstrators wore revolutionary war-style outfits, while one sign featured an image of Uncle Sam declaring, “I Want You to Resist.”

“I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to show what America stands for,” said Emily Manning, a 55-year-old engineer from Boston who attended with her teenage sons. “American values should not just belong to a few wealthy people,” AP reported.

Monday’s protests took place in major cities, including Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, and Seattle. Organisers said they aimed to challenge what they described as “anti-democratic and unlawful actions” by the Trump administration and its wealthy supporters.

Matthew Thorne of Temple City takes part in the “No Kings Day” protest outside Irvine City Hall on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Irvine, Calif. (AP)

In Washington, a rally with hundreds of attendees featured a sign that read, “Deport Musk, Dethrone Trump.” Many of the demonstrations happened despite bitterly cold weather, with a polar vortex sweeping across the country.

In Phoenix, Arizona, protesters gathered outside the Capitol, holding signs saying “No Kings” and “Resist Fascism.” Security personnel blocked access to the Statehouse after some protestors attempted to enter.

They had wanted to attend a state Senate committee hearing on a proposed law requiring state law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration policies.

December Archer, one of the organisers, emphasised the need for peaceful protests. She intervened when a demonstrator attempted to push past security. “We want to keep things civil and respectful,” Archer said. “We’re here to make a statement, not to be the statement.”

With Inputs from AP)