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The protest began around 9 am on March 8, with participants giving opposition to the Trump administration and Project 2025 as primary concerns. Signs displayed a variety of political messages, including one with the acronym ICE slashed out in red, one stating “democracy is fragile,” another stating “the whole world is watching,” and another that urged resistance against Project 2025. Two participants waved Mexican flags. One sign had an expletive, which at least two participants stated was not representative of their views.

Madeline Stephens, with a save our parks sign, was one of the organizers of the protest. She expressed concerns over park funding cuts and potential drilling. “I helped put on the pro-Roe protest back in 2022, and then my friend Devin messaged me and asked for help putting on another one, so here we are.”

Stephens also had concerns over the Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE. “I think if there’s so much fraudulent spending we should see the proof. And I think giving out [over-exaggerated] numbers is not beneficial.”

She responded to those concerned with corruption. “I think there is absolutely corrupt and fraudulent spending or overspending.” Stephens believes it should be handled differently. “I don’t think Elon Musk is the one that we should depend on.” Musk raises several concerns for Stephens. “For one, he’s not even from America, so I don’t think he should be in the government. He’s not a politician. He’s a billionaire.”

David Forehand stated he was there to support his country. “Our country elected a convicted felon who appointed the richest man in the world to fire disabled veterans, to endanger the public health, and to violate the rule of law.”

Forehand expressed concerns with Musk’s unelected status, contrasting it with other appointed roles. “The Constitution requires that cabinet level positions be approved by the United States Senate. That did not happen with Musk. Trump’s own lawyers told a federal judge that Musk was not the head of DOGE. Trump told the Country he is.”

Candy Tucker also shared her reasons for participating in political protest, accusing the current administration of leaning towards Nazism. “It’s abusing our rights, and we’re here to protect our rights, which is the first amendment.” When asked why she considered the current administration to be leaning toward Nazism, she replied; “because they are following Project 2025.” When asked what rights she thought were endangered, she listed Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and concerns about freedom of the press. “They abandoned the USAID. That is how America is strong in this world, is because we show other people that we care about them, and that’s what we should be doing, not caring about corporations, not caring about profit, but caring about what is going on in our everyday lives.”

Georgia Eberhart voiced concerns for woman’s rights. “I’m out here to stand up for my rights and the rights of other women in this Country. The current administration has proven that he does not prioritize women’s rights for autonomy to our own bodies as part of his legislation, in fact, quite the opposite. Trump worked really hard to get Supreme Court leaders legislated and voted into office to turn down Roe v Wade, and that’s really important to me. I don’t know if I personally would get an abortion, but I agree with the fact that women should be able to choose that for themselves.”

Christian Abercrombie held a free Palestine sign, explaining why the issue was important to him. “I believe just like any other sovereign nation they deserve the right to get to determine their own fate and so I’m pro-democracy.”

When asked why people should be concerned with Middle Eastern conflict, he replied; “I would respond to people and just ask them, why do they support our no-questions-asked support of Israel, where we send them billions in weapons and money for weapons, and why do they support Israel’s constant waging against Palestine?”

Abercrombie responded to those claiming self-defense on Israel’s part. “I’m a Christian pacifist. I don’t believe in violence, but I would try to point out the fact that Israel hasn’t just responded in like kind to the attacks on October 7, which are indefensible, but what they’ve done is they have waged a full siege on peaceful people, on men, women and children who are not combatants.”

He addressed the October 7 attack against Israel admit ongoing conflict. “A lot of people think that it just started October 7, 2023, and it hasn’t. It’s been going on for over 70 years. It’s a struggle in which there are no innocent on either side.” He did consider there to be one crucial difference. “Israel has power in a way that Palestinians do not.”

Marcell Baker was concerned that freedom of speech and freedom of protest were under threat. “Every morning, Donald Trump is dropping executive laws restraining our freedoms.” He shared a final message. “Everybody get out, support democracy.”

 

Correction: The original article stated 9 pm. The protest started around 9 am.