Organizers with bullhorns in hand encouraged a crowd of protesters to shout the Pledge of Allegiance outside the New Jersey State House Annex on Feb. 17 during a nationwide day of protest dubbed “Not My President’s Day.”
Hundreds gathered as part of the Stop the Tyranny Protest, organized by NJ 50501, the local chapter of the national 50501 movement, which held 50 protests across 50 states. The demonstrations aimed to repeal executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump, challenge the influence of billionaire CEO Elon Musk on government policy, and demand greater transparency and accountability from the administration.
Lee Journi, an organizer with NJ 50501, held a sign reading “Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants” as she addressed the crowd.
“We need to stand up and fight for our democracy, for women’s rights, for LGBT rights, for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security,” Journi said.
The protests were a direct response to recent executive orders signed by Trump, including one that expanded executive control over independent federal agencies. According to a 50501 statement, these actions threaten democratic institutions and increase corporate influence over federal decision-making.
The crowd included people from various racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds, some of whom shared their reasons for participating.
Olivia Muchowski, another organizer with NJ 50501, said the protest was about pushing back against what she described as an administration prioritizing profit over people.
“This administration cares more about profit than people. Human rights matter. Immigrants matter. It’s a one-sided government,” Muchowski said.
The 50501 movement, as described on its website, was created as a rapid response coalition against what it calls “the anti-democratic and illegal actions” of the Trump administration and its corporate allies.
Muchowski continued, “The administration needs to be wiped clean of both hate speech and action. It cannot continue to run on hate. It is time for an unveiling of the curtain that has hidden the transparency needed from the administration.”
Jessica Defalco, a protester in attendance, spoke about the role of privilege in activism.
She said, “As a white person, I have a responsibility to use my privilege to support marginalized communities.” She added, “If we don’t actively dismantle systemic oppression, we allow it to continue.”
Meanwhile, Christian Powell, wearing a rainbow flag featuring stars and stripes, expressed concerns about LGBTQ+ rights under the Trump administration.
Powell said, “We have fiercely championed equality, secured anti-discrimination laws, and claimed our right to love whomever we choose. We’ve transformed a narrative of hatred into one of acceptance and pride. I have sacrificed too much to allow this administration to take away the rights of my community. We have risen before, and we will rise again. It is time to take a stand.”
The protest lasted several hours and remained peaceful throughout, with chants calling for change, transparency, and accountability.
Journi emphasized the importance of ongoing activism beyond the day’s protest saying, “I think it’s crucial for the voices of those affected by these issues to be heard.” She added, “It’s important that we listen, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards solutions that benefit everyone. I feel that what we have going on right now is a dictatorship.”
