This past week, businesses in downtown Portland began boarding up their windows once again, taking precautions against possible unrest in anticipation of a nationwide protest dubbed “Rage Against the Regime.” This event was organized by the activist group 50501, which listed over 340 affiliated demonstrations online, while additional unaffiliated protests were expected throughout the day.
The protest was scheduled for Saturday, August 2, as part of a national campaign involving numerous cities across the country. The main event—a peaceful sit-in—was planned at the Capitol Building in Augusta, Maine, with solidarity actions anticipated in various states.
The 50501 movement, representing “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement,” issued a press release highlighting what they claimed were increasing “threats to democracy and human rights.” Their concerns included the “weaponization of ICE,” the establishment of what they labeled as “concentration camps,” the “cover-up of the Epstein Files,” attacks on transgender rights, and cuts to essential government programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, USAID, the Department of Education, and the National Weather Service.
In light of past experiences with national protest days that had attracted large crowds or escalated unexpectedly, some local business owners opted for preemptive measures. The 50501 movement had previously organized events like the “Hands Off” and “No Kings” rallies and had been active in coordinating days of action since Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. The group promoted nonviolence and provided safety and de-escalation guidelines for participants and volunteer organizers.
In San Angelo, Texas, the protest was labeled “RISE Against the Regime” instead of “Rage,” with local organizers clarifying that this change was intended to emphasize peaceful intentions. Although Portland was not officially listed as a protest site on 50501’s channels, recent events and ongoing political tensions prompted some businesses to take precautionary measures. By Friday morning, several establishments in the downtown area were seen installing plywood and removing outdoor furniture in preparation for the weekend.
The Portland Police Bureau had not released any alerts or announcements regarding protest activity for that weekend, and there appeared to be no permits filed for large-scale demonstrations. The timing of the protest on August 2 coincided with Vice President JD Vance’s birthday, though organizers clarified that this was purely coincidental.
The name “Rage Against the Regime” was inspired by the band Rage Against the Machine, and organizers incorporated song lyrics and cultural references into their promotional materials. A spokesperson for the group conveyed to USA Today that the protest aimed to evoke the legacy of historic civil rights actions, including lunch counter sit-ins and student-led protests against the Vietnam War.
