BOSTON — Demonstrators opposing President Donald Trump and his administration braved bitter cold across various parts of the United States on Monday, chanting “No kings on Presidents Day” in cities along the East Coast and attempting to gain entry to the Arizona Statehouse to voice their concerns about a recently proposed bill that aims to enhance federal immigration enforcement.
In states like Florida and California, numerous local news outlets reported hundreds of protesters engaging in “Not my Presidents Day” marches. The “No Kings” theme was organized by the 50501 Movement and represented a continuation of protests that have swept the nation in less than two weeks. A previous similar event on February 5 saw citizens gathering in multiple cities to criticize both Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who heads a new governmental entity tasked with reducing federal expenditure.
Nearly a thousand protesters marched through snow from the Boston Statehouse to City Hall, loudly chanting slogans like “Elon Musk has got to go.” With temperatures dipping below freezing and wind chills in the teens, the frigid weather did not deter demonstrators. Some participants donned attire reminiscent of the Revolutionary War, while their signs voiced sentiments like “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” One sign featured Uncle Sam with the message: “I Want You to Resist.”
Emily Manning, a 55-year-old engineer from Boston, voiced her reasoning for attending the rally alongside her two teenage sons, stating, “I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for. American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.”
The organizers behind Monday’s protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, and Seattle, aimed to challenge what they termed “anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.” One notable sign at the rally in Washington read, “Deport Musk Dethrone Trump.”
Demonstrations were set to occur in cities experiencing frigid conditions due to a polar vortex sweeping across the nation. These rallies followed a series of executive orders from Trump and came on the heels of layoffs in various federal agencies aimed at downsizing the workforce.
In Phoenix, large crowds gathered in front of the Capitol, brandishing signs that said “No Kings” and “Resist Fascism.” Security personnel prevented protesters from entering the building after a few attempted to breach the entrance. The demonstrators were looking to access a state Senate committee meeting regarding legislation that would compel law enforcement in the state to adhere to federal immigration policies.
December Archer, a protest organizer, stressed the importance of maintaining a civil atmosphere. She intervened when a protester tried to enter the Statehouse, ensuring the situation remained respectful. “We’re trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we’re here to make a statement not be the statement,” Archer explained.
