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Hundreds of people protested the policies of President Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Braun at the Indiana Statehouse Wednesday. (Photo/Kate Breeden of TheStatehouseFile.com)

This story was originally published by TheStatehouseFile.com

By Erin Bruce
TheStatehouseFile.com
February 5, 2025

What began as a grassroots social media campaign appeared on the front steps of the Indiana Statehouse Wednesday.

A crowd of protestors gathered at noon, a fairly uncommon sight during this legislative session so far. But standing under a gray sky on a dry lawn, a speaker welcomed the group, reminding them of their shared purpose.

The “50501” (50 states, 50 protests, one day) demonstrations spread online through grassroots efforts on websites and social media, using phrases like #buildtheresistace and “reject fascism.” The protests were expected to appear at statehouses in all 50 states, as well as a handful of major cities throughout the country.

The protests were organized in opposition to Project 2025 and President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders. Project 2025 is a compilation of proposed legislative actions created by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

Protestors also expressed disdain at the state’s agenda this legislative session, chanting “All Braun, no brains,” referring to Indiana’s new governor, Mike Braun.

“I’m here to stand up for the members of our community,” said Kendra Harter. “Democracy will die if there’s silence.”

“I’m here because I believe in the freedoms for all Americans,” said Brandywine Wills, who handed out American flags.”

“Until the bans, I was pro-life,” said Sonya Hayes. “Mind your business, it doesn’t affect you, you don’t need to be involved in it.” “And Musk, what is that?”

“I’m here to protest all the actions that President Trump has been taking,” said Brian Jonasen, who was joined by Sandra Kaufman Jonasen. “I’m a 30-year veteran with the Air Force, and I’m very disappointed in our country right now.”

“Like everybody, I’m just so upset about what’s happening,” said Laurie Klinger. “It’s so horrible for everybody that’s involved.”

“We’re against Trump being elected, against Project 2025,” said Rebecca Miller.

“I see the rights that I fought for in my youth—I am 63 years old now—and they’re trying to strip them away,” said Bradley Harvey.

“To stand up for people that can’t,” said Whitney Chenevert. “It just shows everything that our ancestors fought for and those before us fought for.”