Tons of 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 function in it.
Exterior Metropolis Corridor, protesters waved American and Mexican flags and selfmade indicators with messages comparable to “Impeach Trump,” “Felon + Elon = Treason” and “I’ve seen smarter cupboards at Ikea.”
Demonstrators mentioned they have been dismayed by the flurry of government orders President Trump has signed since he took workplace final month, notably ones aimed toward overhauling the nation’s local weather insurance policies, immigration system and reproductive rights.
“I strongly stand towards the vast majority of what the present administration stands for,” mentioned Amanda Salemi, 40, who was holding an indication that mentioned “Folks Over Revenue” and had a big rainbow flag tucked into her pants pocket.
Alexis Linnea, proper, confronts a counter-protester through the rally.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Occasions)
“I imagine in democracy, not fascism, not a ruler or king,” the Lengthy Seashore enterprise operations supervisor mentioned. “Our nation is in danger, and I’m searching for any method I can become involved.”
Denise Trutanich and Esther Duran, each 73 and mates since highschool, arrived with garden chairs after receiving textual content alerts in regards to the occasion.
“It’s been a very long time since we’ve protested — like, the Vietnam Struggle,” Trutanich mentioned. “I’m so downtrodden by this entire factor. I really feel like we’re going backwards.”
Protesters demonstrated towards each President Trump and Elon Musk.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Occasions)
For the primary two hours, activists gave brief speeches as passing motorists honked their horns. Anthony Bryson of SoCal Rebellion, who helped set up the rally, led the gang by means of 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 function as a “particular authorities worker” within the Division of Authorities Effectivity, which has aggressively slashed spending and lower jobs at federal businesses.
“Who’s Elon Musk to actually have a place?” mentioned Duran, who held an indication that mentioned “Elon Should Go.”
The Lengthy Seashore demonstration rally was one in all many comparable protests across the nation Monday. In California, demonstrators additionally gathered in downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Camarillo.
Most 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 Occasions)
