Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Long Beach to rally “not my president” on Presidents Day to protest the role of the Trump administration and Elon Musk in it.
Outside the city hall, protesters wave U.S. and Mexico flags and homemade signs with “Impossessed Trump”, “Feined + Elon = Traitor” and “I’ve seen a smarter cabinet in IKEA” etc.
Demonstrators say they are frustrated since taking office last month, President Trump has signed a series of executive orders, especially ones aimed at overhauling the country’s climate policy, immigration system and reproductive rights.
“I strongly oppose most of the situation represented by the current government,” said Amanda Salemi, 40, holding a sign saying “people make profits” and hiding the big rainbow flag.
Right, Alexis Linnea faces counter-protesters during the rally.
(Yamada/Los Angeles Times)
“I believe in democracy, not fascism, not rulers or kings,” said Long Beach Business Operations Manager. “Our country is at risk and I’m looking for any way I can participate.”
Since high school, Denise Trutanich and Esther Duran, 73 years old and friends, arrived with lawn chairs after receiving a written alert about the event. Lawn chair.
“It’s been a long time since we protested, like the Vietnam War,” Trutanic said. “I’m very upset about the whole thing. I feel like we’re going to go backwards.”
Protesters protested against President Trump and Elon Musk.
(Yamada/Los Angeles Times)
In the first two hours, militants gave brief speeches as motorists honked their horns. Anthony Bryson of the SoCal Uprising helped organize the rally and led the crowd through several rounds: “Hey, Ho, Ho, Donald Trump must go. Hey, Ho, Ho, Elon Musk Must leave.”
Demonstrators began to march along Ocean Boulevard in the afternoon, and some fierce debate broke out when they met supporters of vocal Trump on the nearly two-mile route. Two women on the balcony draped the American flag and a red banner with the words “Trump 2024. Pick up the United States”.
Like many who joined the rally, Duran laughed at Musk’s high-profile role as “special government employee” in the so-called Ministry of Government Efficiency, which actively lays off employees in federal agencies.
“Who is Elon Musk’s position?” Duran said, holding a sign saying “Elon must go.”
On Monday, the Long Beach demonstrations were one of many such protests nationwide. In California, protesters also gather in downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Camarillo.
Many events in the 50501 movement were a group of grassroots organizers who aimed at “preserving the constitution and ultimately over-executive executives.”
Protesters were walking along Ocean Boulevard, signs were held to attend a rally of “not my president.”
(Yamada/Los Angeles Times)
