For the second time this month, hundreds of demonstrators lined the sidewalks from the intersection of Route 31 and Delaware Avenue past the edge of the Pennington Center Plaza on Saturday to protest the Trump administration’s policies and the federal government’s controversial DOGE Service, now overseen by Elon Musk.
Protesters carried signs with slogans like “No Kings, No Felons,” “Due Process for All,” and “Fire Stupid,” while others waved at passing vehicles, many of which responded with honks and gestures of support. A few motorists also shouted criticism at the crowd, but the event remained peaceful throughout. Protesters waved flags of Greenland and Canada, along with many American flags, as they made their feelings known against the Trump administration.
The Pennington demonstration was one of several held across New Jersey as part of a broader day of protest, during which thousands rallied in cities and towns across the country. Nearby, hundreds gathered in Trenton, while large crowds also assembled in New York City, Washington, D.C., and other major cities.
Protests are being organized through the “50501” movement — a grassroots campaign advocating pro-democracy and anti-corruption values — as well as the Indivisible network and other groups working to promote smaller, locally organized demonstrations across the country. The themes in all of the protests have been similar, as participants expressed alarm over a recent deportation, cuts to federal services and employees, and the use of executive power.
Signs at Saturday’s rally reflected a wide range of criticisms aimed at the administration and the DOGE Service, including references to dismantled federal services, due process violations, and the growing influence of billionaires in government affairs. Some messages included humorous jabs, such as “IKEA Has Better Cabinets,” while others called for systemic change.
Saturday’s event followed a similar demonstration in the same location on April 5 that also drew a large crowd. Protesters said they felt compelled to return to the streets in light of recent developments and what they described as an ongoing erosion of democratic norms.
Pennington and Hopewell Township police monitored the demonstration, which concluded without incident.
photos by Seth Siditsky
