'No Kings Day' protests erupt in US cities, including Washington, DC

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Protesters took to the streets in cities across the US to denounce President Donald Trump and his government-cutting ally, tech billionaire Elon Musk, on Monday in a series of demonstrations being billed as "No Kings Day."

Over 2,000 protesters in Washington, DC gathered at Union Square in front of the US Capitol on Presidents' Day to protest the firings of thousands of federal employees being carried out by Musk's unofficial Department of Government Efficiency. Trump and Musk say they are trying to reduce government spending in an effort to narrow the US deficit, but critics say they are carrying out a brazen, unconstitutional power grab that will only harm the American public.

"No one voted for Elon Musk!" protesters chanted in front of the Reflecting Pool. "Save federal workers!"

Demonstrations also took place in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York City, Jacksonville, and other US cities. The protests were organized by the 50501 Movement, which sought to organize 50 demonstrations in 50 states as part of one movement.

The decentralized movement is seeking to form a "rapid response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies," according to the group's website.

Monday's demonstrations are at least the second since the 50501 Movement organized an initial wave of protests on Feb. 5.