"Good Trouble Lives On": Thousands Protest Trump Policies Across US
Thousands of Americans are flooding the streets nationwide today, July 17, 2025, in a meticulously coordinated day of action dubbed "Good Trouble Lives On." These widespread protests are a direct response to a range of contentious policies implemented by the current Trump administration, with particular outrage focused on a new wave of mass deportations and sweeping cuts to critical social safety nets like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Over 1,600 events are scheduled, spanning from major metropolitan hubs to quiet rural communities across the country.
The protests, named in homage to the late civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis and his enduring call to make "good trouble," aim to staunchly challenge what organizers decry as "the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations." Demonstrators are voicing fierce indignation over perceived assaults on voting rights, the dismantling of environmental protections, and fundamental threats to the bedrock of democratic freedoms.
Immigration Crackdown Fuels Widespread Fury
At the heart of the contentious protests lies the Trump administration's "hardline" and "maximalist" approach to immigration. This approach has already resulted in a mass deportation campaign that has impacted hundreds of thousands of immigrants since the commencement of the President's second term in January 2025. Protests against these policies have been a continuous feature of the political landscape, with large-scale demonstrations erupting in states such as California, New York, Texas, and Alabama. The intensified raids and deportations have ignited powerful opposition from advocacy groups and immigrant communities, many of whom express profound fear and anguish over the separation of families.
Medicaid and Safety Net Cuts Draw Harsh Condemnation
Another significant flashpoint for the protests is the recently enacted federal legislation. This bill includes substantial reductions to Medicaid, the essential health insurance program for low-income and disabled citizens, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While some of the most severe cuts to these vital programs are slated to take effect after the 2026 elections, the legislation has already tightened work requirements for beneficiaries and is projected to strip millions of Americans of their health coverage.
Advocates, faith leaders, and individuals directly affected by these cuts have mobilized in various states, including North Carolina and West Virginia, to vehemently denounce the legislation. Protesters have carried symbolic caskets, representing lives they believe will be tragically lost due to diminished access to healthcare and essential food assistance. Experts warn that these new policies could lead to over 17 million Americans losing their health insurance by 2034, primarily due to changes in Medicaid provisions and the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Broader Concerns for Democracy and Civil Rights
Beyond the specific policy grievances, the "Good Trouble Lives On" protests also serve as a platform for broader concerns about the health of democracy and the future of civil rights in the United States. Organizers are issuing a rallying cry for communities to unite against what they perceive as a burgeoning authoritarianism and lawlessness within the current administration, which they contend is actively challenging fundamental rights and freedoms.
The protests are largely expected to maintain a non-violent stance, with organizers proactively urging participants to de-escalate any potential confrontations and to refrain from carrying weapons. Demonstrations are unfolding in a variety of public spaces, including streets, courthouses, and community centers, collectively signaling a sustained and widespread public resistance to the current administration's agenda.
