After President Donald Trump was elected on Jan. 20, protesters from across the country have gathered to protest against recent actions and executive orders instituted by the Trump administration.
Democrats and even some Republicans are not happy with Trump’s cabinet appointees, specifically the appointment of the new head of D.O.G.E., Elon Musk. Protesters are fearful of the power Musk holds as an unelected official, who has axed government organizations. “I believe it is very unethical what Musk and the Trump administration is doing by getting rid of government agencies that are helpful organizations,” sophomore Anna Sofranos said.
These protests have ranged from messages addressed toward Trump and his administration, to full-on burning of Teslas and harassing of Tesla drivers. In D.C and the surrounding areas, the protests have been mostly peaceful signs, protests and chanting. In Montgomery County there have been peaceful protests, including one on Wootton Parkway where protesters lined up with signs and messages directed toward the government changes.
Since Trump took office, his administration has been vocal about efforts to lay government workers off and cut federal spending. Thousands of workers have been laid off by the administration and been given little to no reason as to why, according to CNN. Specifically, Trump has mentioned the closure of USAID, which is an agency that feeds some of the world’s poorest countries and provides them basic needs. This closure has resulted in backlash.
Immigration is another hot topic being protested during these rallies. Trump is adamant about immigration being one of the country’s biggest issues and is pushing hard to fight illegal border crossings, according to CNN. Students report frustration with Trump’s immigration changes. “I disagree with how Trump is handling immigration personally,” sophomore Neeki Naderi said.
One main repercussion from the protests affects Tesla. Owners of Teslas have sold their cars, ordered bumper sticks with messages like “Bought before Elon became crazy,” and even abandoned their vehicles. The president has repeatedly praised Tesla and has bought a Tesla in support of Musk. Naderi, who owns a Tesla, said, “I’m not really focused on the political views of having the car because my family purchased it four years ago. Instead I like to focus on how much better they are for the environment.”
In the District, members of Congress have joined in on the protest, including Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, Florida Representative Maxwell Frost as well as Maryland’s own 8th district representative Jamie Raskin. “It is great to know that congressman Raskin is fighting for his district and showing support for the people in the district,” senior Abe Tare said.
