The Arizona Capitol lawn was filled with a several thousand people from across the state and Valley carrying signs and chanting on Saturday as protesters rallied against federal cuts. People turned out to voice opposition to the cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, cancer and other disease research funding, Ukraine funding threats, ICE detentions, national forest defunding and firings, federal worker firings, civil and human rights violations such as unconstitutional arrests and detainment for participating in Gaza protests and many of the executive orders that have come down from the Trump administration during his short time in office.
Saturday’s protest in Phoenix was just one of a sweeping nationwide movement, with rallies taking place in cities and towns across the U.S., organized by the 50501 movement. The grassroots movement started as a subreddit, with the goal of “50 protests in 50 states on 1 day,” according to the group’s website.
Protesters in Phoenix gathered in opposition to what they view as devastating budget decisions supported by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, both of whom have been vocal about “reducing” federal spending.
Some of the organizers in attendance were Turtle Island Women Warriors, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Opportunity Arizona.
“This is what democracy looks like!” said protester Alan Christensan.
“These are my people—every one of them fighting fascism, standing up for our rights and our future. We’re not doing this just for ourselves, but for our kids and the generations to come. This fight might take years, but ultimately, we the people are going to win—because there are more of us than there are of them.”
Another demonstrator, Nizhonabah added, “I’m really unhappy with what the government’s been doing. I feel like with numbers we can hopefully make a change.”
Arizona’s demonstration was one of many taking place on statehouse steps, in city squares, and even in small towns. The April 5 day of action included rallies in more than 100 locations across California alone, and dozens more across the Midwest and East Coast, according to a report by People’s World.
Progressive Democrats of America Director Alan Minsky said during a pre-rally Zoom call that the effort is about more than resistance—it’s about redefining what a progressive future looks like. “We need a progressive force inside the Democratic Party to take it back from corporate interests,” he said.
As the crowd dispersed after a few hours of marching and speeches, many left energized to continue the fight.
Ben Scheel, Executive Director of Opportunity Arizona said, “We come today to stand up and fight back. Today we come to do our part, to make sure that justice continues to bend towards freedom and prosperity for all.”
