What began as a viral moment in Turkey has now become a global symbol of resistance. Protest Pikachu, the costumed demonstrator who captured attention during Turkish protests over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has made a surprise appearance in the United States—this time in mass protests against President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Clad in the iconic yellow Pokémon costume, the anonymous figure was spotted in both Washington, D.C. and New York City over the weekend, dancing, posing with protesters, and holding signs demanding justice, democracy, and an end to oppression. The character’s appearance drew cheers, selfies, and widespread attention on social media, with the hashtag #ProtestPikachu trending nationwide.
From Monument Park to National Mall
The protests, held under the banner “Hands Off!”, were among the largest since Trump’s return to the White House, bringing together tens of thousands across over 1,200 locations. In D.C., demonstrators gathered around the Washington Monument and the National Mall, holding signs that read: “Impeach Trump,” “Hands Off Our Democracy,” and “Elon Musk, You Traitor.”
Criticism was also directed at Musk’s role as head of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which activists accuse of pushing mass surveillance, worker purges, and algorithm-driven bureaucracy.
Gaza in the Spotlight
Simultaneously, large crowds rallied in support of Palestine, protesting the U.S. government’s support for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Chanting “Free Palestine” and “End the genocide,” protesters condemned what they called complicity by the Trump administration in Israeli war crimes.
Placards also demanded the release of Mahmud Halil, a Palestinian activist from Columbia University, and Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish PhD student detained by immigration authorities for their activism.
The presence of an Orthodox Jewish group among the pro-Palestinian protesters underscored the diversity of voices challenging the U.S. government’s foreign and domestic policies.
New York Holds the Line
Despite heavy rain, nearly 10,000 protesters gathered at Bryant Park and other locations in New York City, echoing the same demands for justice, transparency, and accountability. Protest Pikachu made another appearance here—soaked but spirited—reinforcing the movement’s viral edge and youthful energy.
From Meme to Movement
What started as a costume joke has become a global protest symbol. Protest Pikachu represents more than pop culture flair—it has evolved into a mascot of grassroots resistance against authoritarianism, corruption, and state violence. First running from riot police in Istanbul, now marching on Capitol Hill, Pikachu has captured the imagination of a generation demanding change.
According to U.S. media, over 600,000 people registered to participate in the coordinated protests, which some observers have called “the largest mass demonstration of Trump’s second term.”
