Details on the February 17 National Day of Protest
If you're on social media, you may have heard about a National Day of Protest on February 17, 2025. Or possibly you haven't, as the algorithms are working hard. You may wonder who is running it, whether it is legitimate, whether there are permits, and whether it is worth participating in.
THIS POST WAS UPDATED 2/14/2025 WITH LATEST INFORMATION: D.C. location has been changed to the Capitol Reflecting Pool (permit acquired) as the original location may be too small for the audience expected. See below for more details.
February 17, 2025: National Day of Protest
Also being called Not My Presidents Day and No Kings Day, this National Day of Protest is one of many organized nationwide peaceful protests since the inauguration of the latest president. 50501 Movement โ short for โ50 states, 50 protests, one dayโ is the one organizing these protests.
Why February 17th for National Day of Protest?
February 17, 2025, is Presidents Day, and many folks have off work. A few have questioned the point of protesting when officials have off work, but protests happen on weekends and it's poignant to have it take place on President's Day.
Who is Organizing the National Day of Protest?
50501 has been organizing protests since the beginning of this new administration. The fifityfifty.one website was started thanks to the subreddit r/50501. You will see the hashtag #50501 being used on various social media platforms like Bluesky and Threads, and subreddits like r/ProtestFinderUSA, sharing graphics you may also see on social media. You can reach 50501 at [email protected].
#50501 is in partnership with Build the Resistance, a collective that organized the February 5th protests. Build the Resistance has a hub for current and future acts of resistance. It also has a hub of various toolkits, articles, and guides for those wishing to get involved. And if you wonder if protesting, calling your representatives, and getting involved makes an impact, check out the Wins on Build the Resistance.
These resources above will help you know if there is a permit for your state. If not, the ACLU shares you have the right to protest on public streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for. If in doubt, stay on a sidewalk.
Where is the National Day of Protest?
The 2025 National Day of Protest will occur nationwide at your state's capitol building or your nearby city hall at noon your time. For those close to Washington, D.C., it will now be taking place at the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
You may have seen graphics that The National Day of Protest location for D.C. is in front of The White House, but that is fenced off, or Upper Senate Park, which had a permit but now 50501 believes it is too small for the crowd attending. Theย new location is the Capitol Reflecting Pool, in front of the U.S. Capitol. The Capitol Reflecting Pool is at the eastern end of the National Mall and in Union Square.ย
Please note, WMATA is doing work the 15th – 17th of February. (source)
- On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the Blue Line will operate Franconia-Springfield to Greenbelt.
- There will be no Blue Line service from Pentagon to Downtown Largo.
- The Orange Line will operate in two segments between Vienna and Clarendon and Foggy Bottom and New Carrollton.ย
- The Silver Line will operate in two segments between Ashburn and Clarendon and Foggy Bottom and Downtown Largo due to track maintenance.
- Local and express shuttle buses replace trains between Foggy Bottom and Pentagon and Foggy Bottom and Clarendon.
What Time is the National Day of Protest?
The protest is at noon, your time, on February 17, 2025. Some outlets are saying 11am, but the majority are saying noon for your specific timezone to keep it easy to remember. The impact will still be powerful, even if it is spread over several timezones.
Is it Worth it to Participate in the Protest?
“Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, [it was] found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns. And although the exact dynamics will depend on many factors, [it] has shown it takes around 3.5% of the population actively participating in the protests to ensure serious political change.” (source: BBC)
I encourage you to check out the videos on YouTube if you search 50501. You will see large protests that have been taking place across this country, even if your news hasn't reported on it.
The February 5th #50501 protests (AP) gathered over 70K participants. I hadn't heard of these protests, nor had many of my friends who are politically and socially active, follow the news and participate on social media platforms like Bluesky, X, and Facebook. Imagine if these protests were advertised as well as the Women's March or the protests in 2020.
This is why I am writing this article; I have a platform and an audience. If I can get even one more person to attend this protest and be aware of future protests, I feel I have made a positive dent in this chaotic time. By having all the information I have gathered in one place, you can share the information and resources with others.
How Else Can We Participate?
Can't attend on February 17th, or want to do even more? A few more activities that are being planned:
February 28th: Economic Blackout.
No shopping of any kind. Prepare for this by filling gas tanks, prepping meals, and doing any shopping before this date. Sounds trivial, but economic blackouts when done en masse make major impact. This is relatively easy for all to do.
March 15: Total Shutdown.
This one is a bit more difficult, though it is a Saturday. No work (call out sick), no shopping, no dining out, no going to the movies, no watching TV or streaming, no travel, no spending of any money. With a month to prepare, I feel a few of you may be able to accomplish this. I plan to do it. With how overwhelming the news cycle has been, a day to hunker down, read a book, take some care for your home, spend time with folks IRL, and/or taking a nap may be just what the doctor ordered.
Call Your Reps. And Continue to Call.
Don't know what to say? Have anxiety about taking on the phone? You're not alone.
- Resistbot is a chatbot that turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes. Send the word resist to Resistbot on Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, or by text to 50409 and answer the questions texted back. In minutes, you'll have contacted Congress or other elected officials.
- 5 Calls researches issues, writes scripts that clearly articulate a progressive position, figures out the most influential decision-makers, and collects phone numbers for their offices so all you have to do is call. The 5 Calls weekly newsletter helps you know what is going on and who to call about it. You can learn more about 5 Calls and sign up at this link.
If you have additional information about these nationwide protests that will help those considering attending, please share it in the comments below so this can be a valuable resource for attendees.
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Thank you for sharing all this information. I had not heard about the protest or the shutdown days and I thought I was following events pretty closely. Sharing this with my people!
Wardrobe Oxygen has always been a place where my plus-sized petite needs get met in more ways that just how to dress.
Thank you so much for sharing. I had no idea about this protest or the boycott days despite getting multiple political newsletters!
Leaving a comment to share my support. I’ve been thinking a lot about James Baldwin’s statement,
“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”
Thanks for sharing this!
Commenting from Canada – just to say thank you for being one of the voices of reason and action.
Thanks for the helpful information Alison.
Thank you Alison. I shared your well written article.
This 83 year old will be protesting in Arroyo Grande, California on Presidentโs Day.
Thank you for writing this VERY informative post.
I was googling “50501 protest February 17” and found your post on the 5th entry down! I saw it was from WardrobeOxygen – what a nice surprise! I used to read your blog maybe 2008-10 (?) until my focus and interest changed to art, interiors and gardening.
Glad to see you are well and still writing!
Thank you again and I will send your link to some people, you have collected so much GREAT information. “We The People” need to stand up to protect our Constitution and rights!
Well hi there, glad to have you stop by and so glad I was able to provide information you were looking for!
Many churches celebrate Mass on Saturdays. What is the recommendation
for attending or not attending Mass on Shutdown Day March 15?
I do not know, but I would think a church would be exempt.
I find these protests to be divisive and not uniting. I know it is our right as Americans to “peacefully” protest however, all these protests seem to do is to rile up the participants and lawlessness abounds. I am very proud of the fact that the President is getting Americans released from prisons in other countries, that DOGE is finding Billions of dollars in government waste, and that the borders are being protected and illegal criminals are being sent back.
These have been peaceful protests and all organizing them are stressing the importance of them being peaceful. The right to protest is a fundamental right for Americans, protected by the First Amendment. There are protests by folks of all beliefs all over this country and they have been proven time and again to make major change without violence or damage.
Linda,
I find your President to be divisive and not uniting.
I am very curious where you read or hear news or information. The things of which you are proud your President is claiming to do is a big smokescreen behind which he is dismantling your government. Musk and the group supposedly finding Billions of dollars in government waste is acting on issues that should be dealt with by Congress.
You cannot have it both ways – have your president say disgusting, illogical, stupid and inflammatory things which “rile” people up and then wonder why people want to protest. I sincerely hope the protests are peaceful – and that they are as large as they need to be to get the message out that this Project 2025-inspired disaster of an Administration has to be stopped before American democracy is a thing of the past.
The world is watching and – the North remembers …
Please share what you consider waste.
USAID programs that serve as soft power to bolster allies to counteract our adversaries, stop the spread of disease (Marburg, Ebola, HIV), and foster economic growth to ultimately be trading partners to the US? Just an FYI that this is about .7% of the United Statesโ annual budget.
The Consumer Federal Protection Bureau that takes on banks and credit card companies on behalf of the American people?
The Department of Education and programs for children with disabilities? How about funding from blue states that subsidizes schools in red states?
Or do you like that they are breaking the law by not utilizing funds that have been appropriated by Congress? And also not abiding by court orders? Or maybe you like that they are incurring 4.6% DAILY in interest due to not paying invoices for costs incurredโฆ
Signed,
Someone on unpaid leave because of DOGE and the EOs
Alison, you give me hope for the future. Thanks.
Alison โ I applaud the work you do here. You are fearless and honest and offer real information.
I fail to understand the objections. Fashions, trends and style are all reflections of the society we inhabit. Consider how the flapper dresses of the 20โs expressed womenโs new freedoms and the right to vote. Think about the longer and more dark and drab dresses of the Depression era, and the bright hues and creative textures of the 1960โs flower children. One might ponder too the celebration of neo classical architecture by the German Fascists and Hitlerโs insistence on women dressing in ways he considered traditionally โfeminine.โ
What we choose to consume and how we consume it impacts the environment, the economy and our relationship to others. And, as a fashion blog offers information and suggestions about clothing it necessarily mentions the activities for which we dress. In this era, for many of us, one of those activities must be resistance.
Fashion is always political!
Your blog is the first thing I read. Thank you for doing the cultural work you understand so well
Thanks, Alison. Your work to pull together these details is much appreciated by me. I plan to participate in the peaceful protest on 17 Feb in DC. and the economic blackouts. I saw somewhere that there would be an economic blackout 7-14 March, but the 15th was not included. Iโm certain that clarification is forthcoming.
Thank you so much for posting about this!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I think a lot of us are feeling helpless and hopeless. This is just I needed to get of that mindset.
Hi Alison,
I’m extremely pleased that you use this (your) platform to push your political views! It is encouraging and inspiring to many -myself included.
I’m originally from the UK, but watching in horror from Canada as a coup is occurring in the United States, The Guardian newspaper has an excellent article on Curtis Yarbin, a mentor to JD Vance, who is the inspiration for the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. What is happening now is so scary for the US and the world.
In Canada there is a widespread, and growing, boycott of American products and services. We stand with you in fighting to maintain your democracy. Remember that only about one-third of eligible voters voted for this new president – and many of them were misinformed and disinformed and I’m sure are still unaware of the reality of what is occurring.
In solidarity, Alison in Canada
We so appreciate the support of our Canadian friends. Solidarity!
Sending all my support and love from Canada.
Thank you from Canada where we are watching your current government with a combination of disbelief and horror. And brava to you for stepping out from your fashion advice to take on issues that are so urgent.
Hi, comment from the UK where we see (well most of us) what is happening in the US with horror. But you know much more about it than I do, so I will leave you to it. What I noticed was that you received one negative comment. As a fashion etc. blogger you may antagonise some of your readers who disagree with your stance. This would be a good reason for not engaging with a minor issue. But this is a major one and you evidently care a lot. So if you do suffer a slight downturn in engagement I hope (I am sure) that you will consider it worthwhile in order to work for your principles. Which is a rather lengthy and clumsy way of saying, from across the pond, Go Girl, Go!
Thank you for raising awareness. I plan on adding my voice to the protest.
This is a fabulous post. Thanks much for the information. And we will know what to wear. ๐
I follow your platform for fashion advice and inspiration not for political influence. Iโm extremely disappointed that you use this platform to push your political views. Itโs unnecessary and offensive to many.
I 100% disagree. It’s important to know what’s happening and the last post helped us know what to wear at a protest.
Watching the US fall into fascism is more offensive to the majority of the world. If you have the privilege to just care about fashion you are part of the problem and need to get out of your US bubble. As a Canadian whose sovereignty is being threatened, we stand by those working to stop it.
Sorry if my ‘privilege’ offends you!! You are throwing that allegation at me when you do not know me or what I care about. This platform is Wardrobe Oxygen, NOT a political platform. We see enough of this type of rhetoric everywhere else on social media, news, etc. We come here for a place for women to lift each other up not divide us by spreading political stances. Yet here I am being bashed for expressing my opinion that I do not want to see this type of messaging on this platform. While I may be in the minority on this, others share my desire not to see this type of posts on this platform. If the do not speak up so be it.
I completely agree with you, and am commenting in support. I just started following this blog, but will have to rethink that. Or simply ignore these posts. They’re not why I’m here – for now, anyway.
Hey Kara – As a fellow Canadian I agree with you….But I don’t think our sovereignty is being threatened. It’s being mocked by a tiny dictator and his feckless mob – many of whom probably couldn’t find us on a map – and that is pretty irritating. Mais c’est tout. Here’s to our American friends, like Alison, who are pushing back.
I follow for fashion advice and to connect on womenโs issues. Nothing impacts womenโs lives more than the recklessness of the current administration. Appreciate the information on how to join others in protesting the inhumanity of the oligarchs.
As I have been doing for 20 years on Wardrobe Oxygen, I am sharing how to lead a stylish life. And style goes beyond the closet. Who cares what you’re wearing if you have nothing to say or stand behind. Just as I write about shoes for wide feet, products for curly hair, clothing for petite bodies, travel with my budget and access, and my thoughts on books and TV and events I attend, I also share my thoughts on current events and the content may not be for everyone. No one complains when I write about wide width shoes even though many of the readers of Wardrobe Oxygen do not have that issue.
No one complains when I write about how I hated a movie or disagree with a fashion “expert,” they usually just keep scrolling. Even when I discuss healthcare and my experiences with it, no pushback. And I have discussed all these things in the past year or so.
It’s only when I discuss politics. And if it’s alerting folks to content that is being hidden by Meta and other platforms that is upsetting, and not my issues with Anthropologie or NuFACE or Netflix’s movie The Dig or how I had to pay river $20K out of pocket for a broken arm I think it’s a personal issue, not a Wardrobe Oxygen issue.
Thanks for this excellent info. Also wanted to share civicshout. It allows you to sign petitions and email your representatives with form letters. Good for those of us who hate phone calls, although Iโm doing that as well.
Thanks Alison. Iโve called and written to the senators from Maryland as well as the congresswoman from my district. They are having a telephone town hall this evening.
My husband and I will be in DC on the 17th, protesting peacefully
Thank you so much for this information.
I plan on being there.
Thanks so much for this information. I really appreciate it!
I wanted to add my comment to show my support. Thank you for sharing this information. For those who want to stay out of politics, well, that ship sailed when people’s rights began to be taken away. For those who don’t like it, they are free not to read.
This information may be new to those who aren’t on the normal “political” feeds and want their voices to be heard. Also, I have used, and can recommend the 5 calls app. And thank you for revisiting what to wear when protesting.
I had heard of this a little before your previous post. But I was inspired to check out my local Dem party facebook. & they had nothing. So I contacted them with the info. Hopefully theyโll help spread the word.
The same thing here in Pittsburgh -no news of ANY of these actions (and we are a D city ). I sent the info to my local D party!
Very useful information โ thanks, Alison!