BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Thousands of protesters gathered in Burlington to oppose President Donald Trump’s agenda, joining nationwide demonstrations across Vermont and other states.
The protesters assembled in City Hall Park to voice opposition to what they called unconstitutional policies enacted during Trump’s second term. Ten months into his presidency, demonstrators cited concerns about sending the National Guard into American cities, immigration crackdowns, seizing Congress’s power of the purse and rolling back civil rights.
“To see so many Americans rise up and say no we cannot accept this we will not accept this gives me tremendous hope,” said Gary Stuard of Burlington.
Many protesters cited personal reasons for attending the demonstration. Kathleen Kelly of Hinesburg brought her 12-year-old son to the protest.
“He’s an American and his rights matter just as much as my rights and I had more rights when I was his age and so that deeply scares me,” Kelly said.
Kelly also expressed broader concerns about the current administration.
“Fascists are taking over our country and the administration is taking away women’s rights handicap people’s rights human rights they’re just demolishing our healthcare,” Kelly said.
Lizz Lach, a teacher from Bolton, said she attended because of concerns for her students’ future.
“America is a country where people should be able to be who they are and love who they love and do what they want to do and that is in jeopardy right now,” Lach said.
Protest leaders urged attendees to remain peaceful throughout the demonstration. Speakers emphasized the peaceful nature of the gathering.
Thousands of people of all different ages have come together in City Hall Park and they all have different signs but they’re spreading their message through different chants and singing songs.
UVM student India Michaud said she hopes the protests can spark conversation between citizens with different viewpoints.
“If we’re not conversing with the other side we’re polarizing ourselves further and I think that we can’t just hate each other that’s not going to get anything done,” Michaud said.
Kelly emphasized the importance of civic engagement.
“If we don’t stand up and defend democracy we will lose it,” she said.
