This story has been updated with additional information.
About 150 people in Dover joined in protests planned in state capitals across the country Feb. 5 against President Donald Trump and Project 2025.
The protests were organized by the 50501 Movement with a goal of “50 states, 50 protests, 1 day.”
The 50501.info website offered “information on activities supporting the free expression of regular Americans’ dissatisfaction with the embrace of Project 2025 by our government,” with announcements of protests in each state.
According to a USA TODAY report, “Project 2025 is a political playbook created by the Heritage Foundation and dozens of other conservative groups, not Trump, who said he disagrees with elements of the effort. There are, however, numerous people involved in Project 2025 who worked in Trump's first administration.”
The protesters said many of the Project 2025 policy suggestions are being followed by Trump such as:
In Dover, protesters said they were concerned about the safety of immigrants; Trump’s Gaza takeover plan; transgender rights; reproductive rights; the environment; the proposal to cut the Department of Education; and the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
As they marched around Legislative Hall, they chanted “Keep our freedoms,” “Equal rights for all,” “Resist, resist,” “Trump must go” and “Musk must go.” Speakers encouraged protesters to contact their government leaders at the state and federal level to voice opposition, donate to the American Civil Liberties Union, get involved in grassroots political organizations and encourage people to vote.
Elon Musk topped the list for many people as their biggest issue with the Trump administration, and they questioned why Musk has been given so much power in leading the new Department of Government Efficiency.
“Why does Musk have access to Social Security and all of the government records?” asked Paula Germack. “I’m also concerned about DEI, immigrants – there’s so much. With Project 2025, I’m beyond concerned. Our rights are being taken away.”
Carol Taylor also said she’s against Musk’s involvement in government.
“Unknown people have access to your data, my data. Who knows what they’re going to do with it,” Taylor said.
She opposes Trump's plan in Gaza.
“Who wants to send their kids to die in Gaza? It’s been decades that there’s been unrest there,” Taylor said.
Susan Stringfield said Trump is “stomping on our Constitution.”
“Democrats and opponents need to step up and stop him. We’ve got to say ‘no,’” she said. “I’m most concerned about the most vulnerable people in our nation. We should be housing the homeless and feeding the poor, not arranging with foreign countries to accept prisoners.”
Stuart Cohen said Trump is causing chaos, outrage, fear and division with a flurry of announcements on a wide range of controversial policies.
“Trump is willing to start a thousand fires and give up on 990 of them just to get the 10 that he really wants,” Cohen said.
But the gathering at Legislative Hall showed Cohen that a lot of people feel like he does and are willing to take action.
“I want to thank you all,” he said to the protesters. “My level of hope had been plummeting but you have given me inspiration.”
Reach reporter Ben Mace at [email protected].