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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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A major protest has been planned on the first anniversary of President Donald Trump's second term in office.
Feminist group Women's March, which launched in the wake of Trump's 2016 election victory, is planning a walkout protest called Free America, scheduled to take place on January 20, 2026.
Rachel O'Leary Carmona, the executive director of Women's March, told Newsweek: "The Free America Walkout tests whether people are willing to stop cooperating with a government that causes harm. It is a protest and an assessment about the ways we are prepared to refuse to comply with unjust policies and to act together in different, powerful ways."
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She added, "Because this action happens during the workweek, participation and outcomes are harder to predict. The Walkout is a stress test to understand the depth of support and whether our base is able to sustain resistance through stepping back from work and spending.
"We are constantly assessing risk and backlash because those risks are real. Under Trump’s leadership, free speech and free assembly have been attacked, and federal power has been used to intimidate and punish dissent. Naming that reality is not alarmist. It is responsible, and it is why we prioritize preparation, discipline, and collective action.
"We do not communicate with the Trump Administration."
Why It Matters
Since assuming office, Trump has been hit with multiple coordinated protests from groups. While Trump still commands support from his base, strong opposition to his administration could affect his credibility and legacy and hamper his efforts to implement his agenda.
What To Know
On the protest's website, the organizers said they are walking "towards a Free America" and "away from fascism."
"2025 was a year of marches that proved our collective strength," the website said. "And the threats have grown so we must too. The MAGA Regime has already signaled that a second term means a deeper and more open wave of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and violence than the first. This moment calls for escalated commitment from our movement."
The protest takes place at 2 p.m. local time, and the website invites people to sign a digital pledge indicating that they will participate by walking out, helping organizers, or volunteering with Women's March.
Meanwhile, Trump has faced protests from other groups. Refuse Fascism previously gathered in D.C. to protest the president's federal takeover of local policing, marching 1.5 miles to the White House behind banners reading "No fascist takeover of D.C." and "No military occupation."
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The "Vets Say No" protests, organized by About Face, a movement of post 9/11 veterans, and May Day Strong, a self-described anti-authoritarian movement, took place on Tuesday, November 11, across the country to protest ICE and "fascism."
In October, over 2,600 rallies took place simultaneously in cities across the United States and around the world, including ones in Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. The No Kings campaign organized the action and said the protests were held to "defend democratic norms and reject authoritarianism," with event leaders framing the demonstrations as a choice between "democracy versus dictatorship."
Another protest took place on the Memorial Day weekend, while others targeted Flag Day and Trump's birthday. Another recently took place in Scotland, when protesters demonstrated against Trump's visit to the country.
What People Are Saying
Free America's website says: "This moment calls for escalated commitment from our movement."
What Happens Next
Other protests against the Trump administration are upcoming. Refuse Fascism is holding a demonstration in which it plans to surround the White House on December 13 to deliver a "people's indictment" against Trump, claiming he should be removed from power.
Update 12/17/25, 9:23 a.m. E.T.: This article was updated with comment from Rachel O'Leary Carmona.
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