The Presidents’ Day protests across the country, including in Michigan and Metro Detroit, reflect deep frustration with President Donald Trump’s administration.
The protests, organized by groups like Refuse Fascism, voiced strong opposition to the administration’s policies, particularly concerning human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the rights of immigrants.
Cindy Louise of Refuse Fascism emphasized the urgency of mobilizing people to resist what she described as the growing threat of fascism, warning that there may not be much time left to prevent further consolidation of power.
In addition to the downtown Detroit protest, similar demonstrations took place in Lansing, Ferndale, and West Bloomfield. One notable protest at a Tesla dealership in West Bloomfield also directed criticism at Tesla CEO Elon Musk, particularly concerning his department’s scrutiny of federal spending.
Local participants, like Navy Vietnam veteran Ross Blake, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. Blake voiced concern that the government was being destroyed and that the changes he fought to protect were being undone.
The protests highlighted not only opposition to Trump’s administration but also a call to action for others to join the movement for change.