This protest in Montpelier, Vermont, captures the spirit of resistance and concern many felt toward the Trump administration early in his presidency.
The event was part of a larger national movement called 50501, aimed at holding demonstrations across all state capitals. The themes varied, from concerns about Trump’s ties to big business (like Elon Musk) to the defense of marginalized communities.
Many attendees felt that their participation was a necessary stand against policies they viewed as anti-democratic or harmful, particularly to the LGBTQ+ community, abortion rights, and marginalized racial or ethnic groups.
The protests took on a personal tone for many, as seen in the testimonies of individuals like Sophia Lashchyk-Tytla, whose personal history with political repression connected her to the present-day struggle she saw in the U.S. Many also voiced frustration with the administration’s lack of accountability for past actions, particularly criminal ones.
Local politicians, such as Rep. Mari Cordes and Rep. Saudia LaMont, also expressed concern about the impact of federal policies, particularly on Vermont’s reliance on federal resources for things like healthcare and education.
It’s also worth noting that the protest came amid increasing tensions over trade policies, especially with Canada, highlighting Vermont’s unique relationship with its northern neighbor. Despite the cold weather, the event became an expression of solidarity for those feeling disempowered, urging a unified stance against what they perceived as a troubling political direction under Trump.