Fresno participated in a nationwide Presidents’ Day protest Monday as part of the 50501 Movement, a grassroots online group that declared the day “No Kings Day.” The movement’s name stands for “50 states, 50 protests, one day.”

The group previously held a similar demonstration on Feb. 4, making Monday’s event the second of its kind. The 50501 Movement has been sharing protest locations on Instagram and other social media platforms.

On the movement’s subreddit, users have emphasized that the demonstrations are not organized by a major organization but are a grassroots effort emerging from communities nationwide. However, organizers say the movement is becoming more structured due to its growing support, even taking root in Fresno.

The protest opposes the Trump administration, with organizers calling for resistance against “fascism.” In a post on their subreddit, the group shared a message reading, “President, not King,” along with an image of former President Donald Trump.

Hundreds Head to Fresno City Hall

Hundreds of protesters gathered at Fresno City Hall, carrying signs that read, “Elon Musk is not our president,” “Immigrants are welcome,” and “We the people, not we the billionaires.”

While speakers addressed national concerns, they also focused on a local issue — Fresno County’s recent decision to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion language from job postings, a change led by Supervisor Garry Bredefeld.

Speakers included local church leaders, 50501 organizers, and local educators.

The protesters marched from City Hall to the Robert E. Coyle Federal Courthouse, chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, Trump and Elon got to go.”

Jennifer Cruz, a recent candidate for Fresno County Supervisor, also spoke at the event. “This is just as a response to what we are seeing federally, the side stepping of our constitution of people’s rights and demand that our local leaders get in the game and start fighting back.”

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