Hundreds Protest Trump Administration
Hundreds gathered on the steps of the California State Capitol, packed tightly and raising homemade banners. Their chants rang out in unison: “My body, my choice,” “Stop the coup,” and “Immigration built this nation,” accompanied by synchronized drumming and a chant leader with a loudspeaker.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, protesters converged in Sacramento to oppose the newly inaugurated Trump administration, addressing a wide range of concerns, from immigration and civil rights to the influence of Elon Musk. This demonstration was part of the 50501 Movement, a nationwide effort with protests occurring simultaneously in all 50 state capitals.
The streets surrounding the Capitol swelled with demonstrators marching toward the heart of the action, many carrying colorful, creative protest signs. Messages like “Democracy is not dictatorship” and “Fascism always ends badly” stood alongside elaborate political cartoons.
Marie Noble and Uwe Schorkopf, a couple from Walnut Creek, voiced their concerns about the political climate. When asked what issues brought her to the protest, Noble responded, “Everything—Elon Musk’s unofficial involvement in everything, the vetting of government officials, and this right-wing fascist plan of Donald Trump.”
Schorkopf, reflecting on his upbringing in Germany and having a Nazi father, expressed his dismay: “It is extremely disconcerting that this country, once a beacon of hope and justice, is facing this situation. I never thought I’d see this happening here.” He urged unity, adding, “We must all stand together. Go to school meetings, deal with the school board, start from the ground up. No more infighting; socialists and anarchists alike must unite against fascism.”
Other protesters echoed similar concerns. Debbie, who traveled from Los Angeles, declared, “I see an authoritarian takeover of the U.S. government, and I won’t stand for it.” Holding a sign reading “Nobody elected Elon,” she focused her protest on Musk, saying, “people are getting upset about Trump saying all this and that; it’s all to deflect from the fact that he put Musk in to take over the government.”
Raymond, another demonstrator, simply stated his reason for attending as “Supporting democracy.” Reacting to Trump’s comments on taking over the Gaza Strip, he called it “bizarre” and “a path to an unending, unwinnable war.” On the subject of Musk, he remarked, “He’s the president. Trump is the assistant deputy president.”
Many protesters made statements through costume, most notably those dressed as Captain America. One unnamed participant in costume, present since noon, remarked, “There are so many critical issues at stake here, and all of them are valid.” Asked about concerns for the future under Trump, he emphasized, “The loss of our constitutional rights. The Constitution is the fundamental principle of America, and we take an oath to defend it.”
The protest remained strong well into the afternoon, drawing people from all walks of life and from cities across the state. United by a common purpose, they stood together to oppose what they saw as a dire threat to their freedoms.