About 150 people protested Donald Trump and his policies on Presidents’ Day, February 17, in front of Alameda City Hall. Alameda protesters were joined by thousands who gathered around the country on Presidents’ Day, originally organized by the 50501 Movement.
Local protesters carried signs that read, “Not My USA,” “Resist!” and “I Did Not Vote For Musk,” among others.
The Alameda event description on Indivisible.org read: “Alameda, I am encouraging you, my fellow Alameda neighbors, Alameda city officials and others from surrounding communities to join me in front of Alameda City Hall this Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17th, 2025 at 12 NOON for a protest and show of solidarity against the unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral acts that the Trump administration and its officials/non-officials have done, are doing, and are planning to do. Your presence will be appreciated by everyone!”
Mass deportations currently underway and billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to gut federal agencies were largely represented among the many actions that were protested. Another prominent sentiment was the idea that Trump is acting more like a king than a president, with some even calling the day of the rallies, “No Kings Day.” In addition to Trump’s efforts to fire prosecutors and independent watchdogs within the federal government, the president suggested on social media that he would disregard concerns that his sweeping actions could be breaking laws. “He who saves his country does not violate any law,” he posted, a quote often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte.
The President’s Day protests played out amid Democrats’ struggle to counter Trump’s storm of political moves with Republicans holding majorities in both the House and Senate. Many liberal activists and citizens are calling on their Democratic leaders to meet the moment with more aggressive urgency.
Kelsey Goeres is the Managing Editor of the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelsey-Goeres.
