- Free America Walkout on January 20, 2026 drew thousands across the U.S.
- Protesters called for home and health care for all and an end to ICE kidnapping.
- The movement plans a mass call on January 22, 2026 ahead of International Women’s Day.
The Free America Walkout erupted on January 20, 2026, the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration, as Americans left work, school, and commerce to voice discontent with the administration’s policies.
The Day of Action
On January 20 at 2 p.m. local time, the movement’s website urged participants to walk out of work, school, and commerce, withholding labor, participation, and consent. The Washington, D.C. protest unfolded while President Trump briefed the press on his accomplishments.
The rally drew people from major cities and small towns, echoing the spirit of earlier nationwide actions such as the “No Kings Day” rallies in July and October of 2025.
Demands and Tactics
Free America listed several key demands on its website:
- Home and health care for all.
- An end to kidnapping by ICE.
- Call legislators, withhold spending, and wear red, white, and blue.
Participants were encouraged to make their voices heard by calling elected officials and showing visible solidarity.
Voices from the Frontlines
Martha Davis, a local organizer in Columbus, Ohio, explained the motivation behind the protest:
> “We want to get more people to wake up, and we want to make sure we’re visible,” she told The Columbus Dispatch.
> “It’s too easy to go about your day if it’s not really impacting you, so hopefully, we’re creating impact,” she added.
Despite Ohio’s frigid weather, Davis emphasized the importance of presence on the day of action.
Connecting to Past Protests
The Free America Walkout is part of a broader pattern of anti-ICE protests that intensified after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026 in Minneapolis.
During the October “No Kings” effort, more than 2,500 protests were planned in large cities and small towns, with hubs in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, Honolulu, Boston, Kansas City, Bozeman, Chicago, and New Orleans.
These rallies collectively aimed to hold the Trump administration accountable for perceived abuses of power.
Looking Ahead
On January 22, 2026, Free America will hold a mass “what comes next” call ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026. The organization hopes to outline future actions and keep momentum alive.
The movement’s strategy includes continuous engagement with legislators, media outreach, and community organizing to sustain public pressure.
Key Takeaways
- The Free America Walkout mobilized nationwide protest on the first anniversary of Trump’s inauguration.
- Demands focused on universal health care, ending ICE kidnapping, and political engagement.
- The event linked to a history of anti-ICE and anti-Trump protests, including the large-scale “No Kings Day” rallies.
- A follow-up call on January 22 aims to chart the next steps before International Women’s Day.
The walkout demonstrates the enduring appetite for civic action against the Trump administration’s policies, illustrating how coordinated grassroots efforts can amplify dissent across the country.
