Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump and Musk Policies

News Summary

On Presidents Day, protests erupted in Nashville and across the country against President Trump and Elon Musk’s recent policy changes. Dubbed ‘Not My President Day’, demonstrators rallied against immigration policies, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, and the removal of diversity practices. The protests emphasized the urgency of protecting democratic values and included calls for a shift in local leadership.

Large Protests Erupt in Nashville and Nationwide Against President Trump and Elon Musk’s Policy Changes on Presidents Day

Nashville Takes to the Streets

On a chilly Presidents Day Monday, Nashville saw a significant gathering of protestors outside the Tennessee Capitol, rallying against President Donald Trump. The protest wasn’t just a local event; it was part of a broader movement, with similar demonstrations happening across the nation. Dubbed “Not My President Day,” the protests aimed to voice discontent and challenge decisions coming from the Trump administration.

Voices of Dissent

The crowd in Nashville stood united in their message, with dozens expressing their anger towards Trump for a variety of reasons. Some were fired up about his hardline immigration policies, and there was also outrage about the controversial decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

Another hot topic among the protestors was the recent move to remove diversity practices in both workplaces and the military. Added to that list of grievances was the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which has been linked to tech giant Elon Musk.

Concerns About Recent Political Events

One protestor shared feelings of frustration and concern over the political climate of the past year, describing it as particularly long and challenging. In Nashville, activists amplified their messages using megaphones and carried handmade signs denouncing both Musk and the changes made within federal agencies.

The anger didn’t stop there. Just earlier this month, Trump announced that Musk’s team managed to uncover over $1 billion in unnecessary spending at USAID, leading to further tension around how government resources are managed. According to Trump’s Deputy Press Secretary, the focus is now on identifying wasteful expenditures and reducing foreign influence, especially from China.

Dissatisfaction with Local Leaders

Protesters also expressed their dissatisfaction towards Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and other state Republicans. Some voices in the crowd were calling for a local shift in leadership to better reflect the interests of the community.

Taking activism to another level, nearly 150 people gathered for a “50501” protest, an initiative to align protests across all 50 states on the same day. This ambitious movement succeeded in mobilizing thousands nationwide, with Nashville attendees passionately advocating for immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

The Spirit of Activism

Chants filled the streets of Nashville as protestors expressed their opposition to fascism and pushed for accountability from Musk. Activists emphasized the crucial role of showing up, arguing that visible activism can create real change.

Simultaneously, protests were igniting at the U.S. Capitol, expressing frustration over Trump’s administration’s policies. Many in Nashville carried signs that criticized the restructuring of the federal government through the DOGE initiative.

Protecting Democratic Values

As the protest marched through downtown Nashville, the urgency of protecting democratic values became a central theme. Some activists voiced fears about how the current administration could impact democracy and social justice issues, with calls for higher taxes on the wealthy also making the rounds.

These protests were not just isolated events but were part of a national effort known as “No King’s Day,” which aims to reframe Presidents’ Day into a day of activism and dissent against what participants view as increasingly authoritarian governance.

Over the course of the day, several attendees traveled from rural counties to join their fellow protestors, showcasing a sense of solidarity and collective frustration against the policies of Trump’s administration. The Nashville protests were a lively mix of passion and determination—proof that when it comes to standing up for what they believe in, these citizens are ready to make their voices heard.

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Additional Resources

• WSMV: Dozens Protest Trump Administration in Nashville
• Tennessean: Nashville Demonstrators Protest Donald Trump
• MTSU Sidelines: 50/50/1 Protests on Not My President’s Day
• WBIR: Downtown Nashville Protest Against Trump Presidency
• WSMV: Demonstrators in Nashville Protest Trump’s Policies
• Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
• Google Search: Trump Protests
• Google Scholar: Activism in America
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
• Google News: Trump Protests 2025