Protesters rallied outside the Idaho Capitol on Saturday. Here’s why
At least 1,000 people rallied outside the Idaho Statehouse on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s administration.
The protest was part of the 50501 movement, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Organizers have held earlier protests as part of the movement.
“American dreams the way we planned them,” sang 72-year-old Steve Bryan, in a reference to “Wicked.” “If we work in tandem, there’s no fight we cannot win.”
Snow and wind blew through the crowd, surrounded by yellow police blockades. A rainbow-striped U.S. flag and a transgender flag fluttered on the Idaho Capitol steps.
Bryan, who helped start the Idaho chapter of the 50501 movement, said he got involved because he “couldn’t stand by and watch the quick and chaotic changes to 250 years of law.”
“I just have a new grandbaby … she’s only 6 months old,” Bryan told the Statesman. He is originally from Ohio but has lived in Idaho for 18 years. “I want her to be able to stand on the steps of the Capitol of Ohio and proudly say how much she loves being a citizen of America.”
Much of the conversation focused on national issues, but speakers also referenced one local topic in particular: The West Ada teacher who decided to keep her classroom posters up, including one that said, “Everyone is welcome here.” School administrators told her the signs could create division or controversy, according to previous Statesman reporting.
“If rules prevent welcoming messages to kids of all races, those rules need to be changed,” Speaker Saumya Sarin, 20, told the crowd.
One of the final speakers urged unity, asking the audience to “afford grace” to Trump voters who might change their minds.
The crowd carried a wide variety of signs, referencing subjects from Russia to Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist who was arrested by immigration authorities.
Virginia Gomez, 44, brought her 1-year-old daughter, Olivia, with their own posters.
“We’re here for fighting for human rights,” Gomez said.
This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 3:48 PM.
