On Saturday, August 2, tens of thousands are expected to rally in cities nationwide as part of the coordinated “Rage Against the Regime” protests, aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s leadership.
Organizers say the demonstrations — the latest in a string of peaceful summer protests across hundreds of U.S. locations — are intended to galvanize public resistance to the administration’s policies and actions.
Protesters are voicing particular concern over aggressive immigration tactics, the rollback of key government agencies and programs ranging from Medicaid to the National Weather Service, and perceived threats to democratic norms. The protests also aim to highlight the administration’s continued refusal to release more details regarding deceased child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein, according to a press statement.
The name of the event serves as both a nod to the politically charged rock band Rage Against the Machine and an expression of collective public frustration.
“People don’t know what to do with their rage,” said Hunter Dunn, a national spokesperson for the activist group 50501, which is coordinating the effort. “Let’s give them something productive.”
In June, over 2,100 locations hosted the “No Kings” protests — events timed with President Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary. Demonstrators argued that Trump was consolidating power in ways that run counter to America’s founding ideals, particularly its break from monarchical rule.
More recently, on July 17, about 1,600 cities and towns participated in “Good Trouble” marches, honoring the legacy of the late Georgia Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. The events encouraged Americans to create “good trouble” by standing up against social injustice through peaceful civil disobedience.
This Saturday’s “Rage Against the Regime” actions are scheduled to unfold across the country on the same day as Vice President JD Vance’s 41st birthday. However, Dunn said the date selection had no connection to Vance and was chosen simply as the first Saturday in August.
The protest’s namesake band, Rage Against the Machine, was renowned for its anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist stance before disbanding in 2024. USA TODAY reached out to the group but did not receive a response.
In Kansas, 50501 event coordinator Scott McFarland admitted he wasn’t familiar with the band. Still, he described the rally he’s helping organize outside the Topeka state Capitol as an emotional and symbolic effort. “It’s a way for people to express that they’re not alone,” he said, calling the current political climate “autocratic” and “divisive.”
A separate demonstration in Massachusetts is described as a “festival of nonviolent resistance.” Set to take place in Cambridge Common, near Harvard University, the event will feature live music, ice cream, art, and educational opportunities — including discussions on immigrant advocacy and boycott strategies, according to a release.
“It starts at a very local and personal level, and then becomes a collective thing,” said local volunteer Samantha McGarry. “Over time, the hope is that it kind of weakens the pillars that are upholding an authoritarian regime using nonviolent measures.”
According to Dunn, more than 400 “Rage Against the Regime” demonstrations are planned across the country — a smaller footprint compared to the 1,500 locations involved in July’s “Good Trouble” protests.
