Presidents’ Day celebrations turned a corner this year as protests over the holiday erupted in some cities across the country where those distressed by the Trump administration’s agenda to make America safe and prosperous again resorted to name-calling and puzzling hysteria, as usual. Revealing nothing more than the sad reality that their history teachers failed them, protesters made groundless allegations referring to Trump as a “king” and declaring that they were demonstrating to “resist fascism.”
According to the AP, the protest was organized by the 50501 Movement under the slogan “No Kings on Presidents Day.” The demonstrations criticized Trump’s policies and his partnership with Elon Musk, who leads the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department, tasked with cutting federal spending, has drawn sharp criticism for what protesters see as anti-democratic practices in that its mission is to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and appropriately.
In Boston, nearly 1,000 demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to march through the city. Some dressed in Revolutionary War-era costumes, carrying signs with slogans “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” One sign had a depiction of Uncle Sam saying “I Want You to Resist,” according to the AP.
One protester in Boston whose two teenage sons joined her said, “I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for,” adding that “American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.”
Similar rallies took place in cities across the country, including Washington, D.C., Orlando, and Seattle.
One sign held up in the nation’s capital said, “Deport Musk Dethrone Trump.”
The protest took an interesting turn in Phoenix, Arizona where demonstrators reportedly attempted to enter the Capitol building where security guards had to stop them from trying to get inside.
“Security barred protesters from entering the building after a few tried to get inside. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require law enforcement officers across the state to support federal immigration policy.
Protest organizer December Archer said her goal was to keep the event civil. She quickly came between someone trying to enter the Statehouse and a security guard who pushed the protestor back through the doorway,” the AP reports.
It is noteworthy that Presidents’ Day, a typically unifying holiday, has become controversial. In some instances, celebration of the holiday itself suddenly came into question after President Trump took office for his second term. The message of “unity” preached repeatedly by those on the other side of the political spectrum appears to be getting lost as some are not only set to “resist” President Trump, but now appear to hold no respect for the office of the presidency in general because they disagree with him, a right they fail to recognize they are freely practicing while they cry “fascism.”