Thousands of protesters rallied in Washington and other cities across the U.S. on Saturday to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump's policies on deportations, government firings, and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

More than 700 planned events were part of the 50501 movement (50 protests, 50 states, one day), a grassroots initiative calling for nationwide protests. Hunter Dunn, a spokesperson for the movement, described the group as a "pro-democracy, pro-Constitution, anti-executive-overreach, nonviolent grassroots movement."

Outside the White House, protesters carried banners that read "Workers should have the power," "Stop arming Israel," and "Due process," according to media footage.

Some demonstrators chanted in support of migrants whom the Trump administration has deported or has been attempting to deport while expressing solidarity with people fired by the federal government and with universities whose funding is threatened by Trump.

"As Trump and his administration mobilize the use of the U.S. deportation machine, we are going to organize networks and systems of resistance to defend our neighbors," a protester said in a rally at Lafayette Square near the White House.

Other protesters waved Palestinian flags while wearing keffiyeh scarves, chanting "free Palestine" and expressing solidarity with Palestinians killed in Israel's war in Gaza.

Some demonstrators carried symbols expressing support for Ukraine and urging Washington to be more decisive in opposing Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

Since his January inauguration, Trump and his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, have gutted the federal government, firing over 200,000 workers and attempting to dismantle various agencies.

The administration has also detained scores of foreign students and threatened to stop federal funding to universities over diversity, equity and inclusion programs, climate initiatives and pro-Palestinian protests. Rights groups have condemned the policies.

Near the Washington Monument, banners from protesters read: "hate never made any nation great" and "equal rights for all does not mean less rights for you."

Demonstrations were also held in New York City, Chicago, and dozens of other locations. It marked the second day of nationwide protests since Trump took office.

Protests were also planned outside Tesla car dealerships against Trump adviser Elon Musk and his role in downsizing the federal government. Others organized more community service-oriented events such as food drives, teach-ins and volunteering at local shelters.

Elsewhere in D.C., a protest took place outside U.S. Vice President JD Vance's residence on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. The 50501 organizers hosted a mutual aid campaign downtown, collecting food, baby products and hygiene supplies.

"Our people are under pressure," read a flier for the event. "Laid off, left behind, locked out. Federal workers. Neighbors. Collective family. This isn't new, and we've always had each other. Mutual aid is how we resist. Mutual aid is how we win."

(With input from agencies)