A whole lot of demonstrators gathered in downtown Lengthy Seashore for a “Not My President” rally on Presidents Day to protest the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s position in it.
Exterior Metropolis Corridor, protesters waved American and Mexican flags and selfmade indicators with messages similar to “Impeach Trump,” “Felon + Elon = Treason” and “I’ve seen smarter cupboards at Ikea.”
Demonstrators stated they have been dismayed by the flurry of government orders President Trump has signed since he took workplace final month, significantly ones aimed toward overhauling the nation’s local weather insurance policies, immigration system and reproductive rights.
“I strongly stand in opposition to nearly all of what the present administration stands for,” stated Amanda Salemi, 40, who was holding an indication that stated “Folks Over Revenue” and had a big rainbow flag tucked into her pants pocket.
Alexis Linnea, proper, confronts a counter-protester throughout the rally.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Instances)
“I imagine in democracy, not fascism, not a ruler or king,” the Lengthy Seashore enterprise operations supervisor stated. “Our nation is in danger, and I’m in search of any approach I can become involved.”
Denise Trutanich and Esther Duran, each 73 and pals since highschool, arrived with garden chairs after receiving textual content alerts concerning the occasion.
“It’s been a very long time since we’ve protested — like, the Vietnam Battle,” Trutanich stated. “I’m so downtrodden by this complete factor. I really feel like we’re going backwards.”
Protesters demonstrated in opposition to each President Trump and Elon Musk.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Instances)
For the primary two hours, activists gave quick speeches as passing motorists honked their horns. Anthony Bryson of SoCal Rebellion, who helped set up the rally, led the gang via a number of rounds of: “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has bought to go. Hey hey, ho ho, Elon Musk has bought to go.”
Demonstrators started to march alongside Ocean Boulevard in midafternoon, with some heated arguments breaking out as they encountered vocal Trump supporters on the almost two-mile route. Two ladies on a balcony draped an American flag and a purple banner with the phrases “Trump 2024. Take America again” over the railing.
Like many who joined the rally, Duran expressed scorn for Musk’s high-profile position as a “particular authorities worker” within the Division of Authorities Effectivity, which has aggressively slashed spending and reduce jobs at federal companies.
“Who’s Elon Musk to actually have a place?” stated Duran, who held an indication that stated “Elon Should Go.”
The Lengthy Seashore demonstration rally was one among many related protests across the nation Monday. In California, demonstrators additionally gathered in downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Camarillo.
Lots of the occasions have been put collectively by the 50501 Motion, a gaggle of grassroots organizers aiming to “uphold the Structure and finish government overreach.”
Protesters maintain indicators whereas strolling alongside Ocean Boulevard for “Not My President” rally.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Instances)
