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By Toby Meyjes
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Protesters plan to gather in cities across the United States on Saturday in a coordinated national day of action opposing the Trump administration's push for redistricting in Texas and other states.
More than 300 "Fight the Trump Takeover" events are scheduled across 43 states on August 16, including in Austin, Texas—the center of a redistricting battle between Democrats and Republicans, with the latter seeking to push through a bill that could give them five extra seats in the House of Representatives.
Newsweek has contacted Fight the Trump Takeover, the White House, the Democratic National Committee and Texas Governor Greg Abbott for comment outside regular working hours.
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Why It Matters
Texas has been the center of a standoff in recent weeks, with House Democrats fleeing to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts in a bid to block the passage of a Republican redistricting bill.
On August 5, President Donald Trump told CNBC's Squawk Box that Republicans were "entitled to five more seats" in the Lone Star State. But the row over the redrawing of congressional maps before the 2026 midterm elections has not been restricted to Texas, with more than a dozen states considering similar moves.
The Democratic governors of California, New York and Illinois, among others, have promised to redraw their states' already-small Republican districts if Texas goes ahead with its plans.
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What To Know
One of the main Fight the Trump Takeover rallies is scheduled to take place in Austin outside the Texas State Capitol.
Other protests are set to take place across the country—including in Anchorage, Alaska, and Indianola, Iowa—according to the Fight the Trump Takeover website.
The action is backed by a wide range of partners, such as Planned Parenthood, the Texas AFL-CIO and the Democratic National Committee.
Organizers shared their goals on the coalition's website, writing: "Trump is trying to steal the 2026 election by rigging the system and changing electoral maps. He started in Texas, but he won't stop there. We are fighting back."
Since Trump returned to office in January, there have been regular nationwide demonstrations, including the "No Kings" protests in June and "Rage Against the Regime" rallies earlier this month.
Many of the protests have been organized by 50501 (50 protests, 50 states, one movement), a grassroots organization that began to challenge the actions and policies of the Trump administration.
What People Are Saying
Rick Levy, the president of the Texas AFL-CIO, told Newsweek: "From Texas to California to Illinois, the labor movement is united in resisting the Trump takeover. This is a defining battle for the future of our democracy, and working people across the country understand the urgent need to act."
He added: "As this fight continues to spread nationwide, we will stand strong this Saturday—to defend our votes, protect our rights, and stop this redistricting scheme."
Drucilla Tigner, Executive Director at Texas for All, told Newsweek in a statement over email: "Across Texas, and across the country, communities are speaking out in a united voice to call for an end to the Trump takeover. Though this fight started in Texas, it doesn't end here. This isn't just about redistricting or one state's politics. It's about the future of our democracy.
"Our hope for the Day of Action is to show loud and clear that the American people are worth more than power grabs and distractions. We will be showing up, at state capitols in communities around the country, to demand justice, accountability, and for our voices to be heard.
"As Rep. James Talarico has said, there is a process for redistricting, and Texas GOP legislators are not following that process. The Texas maps were already redrawn for the decade in 2011. We support fair, clear processes, not covert pathways to silence voters of color."
Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said in an emailed statement to Axios: "How much are these 'protesters' being paid?"
Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement to NBC News: "Trump knows the only way he can hold the majority after his budget betrayal is by changing the rules in the middle of the game to avoid accountability for ripping health care and food away from millions of Americans."
What Happens Next
Hundreds of events are scheduled for Saturday, according to the Fight the Trump Takeover website.
Update: 8/15/25, This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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