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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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The organizers of the upcoming 50501 Movement demonstrations, or 50 states, 50 protests, one day, have announced they have partnered with Political Revolution, a group initially created to support Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential bid.
Newsweek contacted the 50501 Movement for comment via Instagram direct message respectively on Tuesday outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
The 50501 Movement has organized demonstrations against the Trump administration on Wednesday in all 50 state capitols across the United States.
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It came after protests against Trump's deportation policies erupted across the country over the weekend with demonstrations taking place in California, Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. In Los Angeles, California, hundreds of protesters blocked the 101 Freeway for a time on Sunday waving Mexican flags and holding placards criticizing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Support from Political Revolution is likely to boost the 50501 demonstrations, both by promoting them to a wider range of people and by getting support from experienced campaigners.
What To Know
In a statement posted on its official Instagram page the 50501 Movement said: "We've heard your concerns about the legitimacy of the 50501 movement. Up to this point, we have been entirely grassroots organized and we here have done the best we can to provide some structure and address concerns, but we've been looking for better options too.
"So we are *monstrously* relieved to get to share this news with you: We are now partnered with political revolution."
The news was confirmed by Political Revolution on the group's Reddit page, which has 173,000 listed activists.
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They announced they had "partnered" with the 50501 Movement and "will be assisting with organizing, and encourage cross-collaboration between the groups."
The group added: "If you don't see an event for your state, you can make one! You can also make any type of organizing event, public or private. WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION !"
The Political Revolution Reddit page was founded in February 2016 to support the then Democratic Presidential bid from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
In a statement provided to Newsweek, Political Revolution said: "Our requests include the resignation or removal of Donald J. Trump from the presidency, thorough investigations into his appointees, scrutiny of Elon Musk's governmental role, the repeal of oppressive executive orders, and the enforcement of robust laws against hate speech. We also advocate for the reinstatement of diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks to ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect."
While ultimately losing to Hillary Clinton, Sanders was able to build a substantial following for his left-wing policies during the campaign, and attracted widespread public attention.
On its Reddit page Political Revolution states: "This subreddit is part of the Political Revolution as envisioned by Bernie Sanders. We represent a movement promoting activism, raising support for down ballot progressive candidates, and spreading awareness for the issues focused on by the progressive cause."
What People Are Saying
Speaking to Newsweek Citizen Rosengarten, an organizer of the 50501 Movement protest in Springfield, Illinois, said: The Illinois Citizens 50501 Movement has requested the permits to meet on the Capitol grounds. We have also received substantial threats of violence from MAGA groups, so we're meeting on Capitol grounds to guarantee that they will be limited in their efforts to harass/silence/harm us."
Cristin Wormuth, who is helping to organize the 50501 Movement demonstration in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, told Newsweek: "I can see how our democracy is being eroded, and the foundational principles of our country are being challenged in a way that will do irreparable harm to our nation. Regardless of what political party someone supports, all Americans should protect our constitutional rights."
What Happens Next
Wednesday's demonstrations will be a major test for both the 50501 Movement and Political Revolution with analysts observing how many people turn out for their demonstrations and how geographically consistent their support is.
Trump's first inauguration as president in January 2017 was followed by large Women's March demonstrations across the U.S., while the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in May 2020 triggered widespread protests, some of which turned violent.
Update 2/5/25 6:05 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with comment from Political Revolution.
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