As icy wind cut through the streets of downtown Saint Paul February 5, the Minnesota State Capitol filled with echoes of chanting protesters: “What do we want? Our rights! When do we want it? Right now!” Their voices carried through the crisp February air as dozens of demonstrators gathered in opposition to former President Donald Trump’s controversial 2025 policy plan, a sweeping agenda many fear could dismantle civil rights protections, erase hard-fought social justice gains, and target marginalized communities.
Activists call it a 900-page playbook.
The 50501 Movement is leading the State Capitol protests nationwide, using its website and social media platforms to rally support. The movement aims to amplify the concerns of “regular Americans” who oppose the government’s alignment with Project 2025. Protests have been scheduled at every state capitol, most beginning around noon or later local time.
In response to skepticism about its legitimacy, the 50501 Movement addressed concerns on social media, stating they have been entirely grassroots organized and have done their best to provide structure. While looking for better options, they soon partnered with Political Revolution, an organization inspired by Bernie Sanders that’s dedicated to activism and down-ballot progressive candidates and causes.
For many in attendance, the rally was a political statement and dire warning. Marquise, 34, a longtime Saint Paul resident, gripped a sign reading “Protect Black Futures” as he spoke passionately about the plan’s implications.
“Trump’s plan is a direct threat to our democracy and civil liberty,” he said. “It’s a fight between politics and survival. Black folks, queer folks, immigrants… We’re all in danger if this plan moves forward. We should all be concerned.”
The 2025 plan, crafted by Trump allies and conservative think tanks, principally the Heritage Foundation, promises an aggressive overhaul of federal policies. Among its most alarming proposals are the expansion of executive power, deep cuts to government programs, and the potential repeal of key civil rights protections. Activists argue that Black Americans, along with LGBTQIA+ and immigrant individuals, would bear the brunt of these changes.
During his campaign trail, Trump distanced himself from the conservative policy plan known as Project 2025 — calling it ridiculous — though now he’s singing a different tune. Weeks into his presidency, Trump enacted policy reformation along with personnel layoffs and terminations, dissolved specific agencies, and enacted data deletions referencing LGBTQIA+ youth accompanying CDC pages with HIV statistics.
Focused on the danger to LGBTQIA+ rights and immigration, people carried signs stating, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and “Protect LGBTQ+ rights,” with the worry about the potential rollback of protections for the queer and immigrant population in workplaces, schools, and health care settings.
Despite the protest’s clear focus on racial justice, some attendees noted the limited presence and potential voice of Black community members. When asked to interview about the protest in tow, most offered no comment. While many were aware of the demonstration and were glad to support the protest by showing up, some voices stayed silent. However, the Black voices that showed up articulated a powerful message.
Marcus, 29, a local Black entrepreneur, stressed the economic consequences of the proposed policies. “This plan would gut resources that Black families rely on — homeownership programs, small business funding, education grants,” Marcus exclaimed.
“It’s Jim Crow in a suit and tie. We’ve fought too hard for economic stability and continue to fight for it [only] to have it ripped away overnight. A lot of Black people are tired. We’ve been protesting, we’ve been voting, and yet we’re still here fighting the same fight our grandparents did,” Marcus continued. “Some people don’t see the point anymore, but most of us are not going to stop fighting.”
For those who did attend, there was an urgency in their voices. A determination not to let history repeat itself. As the rally continued, protesters made it clear that their opposition would not fade with the winter sun. They vowed to keep organizing, to keep resisting, to keep pushing back against what they see as a dangerous authoritarian shift.
“This isn’t about Trump,” Marcus said as he led another round of “We Stand Together” chants. “It’s about the people behind him. The ones who want to take us backward… We’re not going back!”
He was referring to right-wing Elon Musk, who protesters say share the presidency with Trump’s administration and garners support for the 2025 project. With signs in tow stating: “We did not elect Elon Musk,” the echoes of the protest lingered as the crowd slowly dispersed; but the fight, many insisted, was far from over.
Amid the passionate speeches and rallying cries, a lone figure stood apart from the crowd, just beyond the Capitol steps. Wearing a red MAGA hat, he remained silent, observing but not engaging with the demonstrators. Some protesters attempted to approach him, eager to debate or at least understand his presence.
But the man offered no words, no arguments, no defense of the plan being denounced by the crowd. Asked why he decided to attend the anti-2025 MAGA protest, he had no comment. nt.
