Hundreds protest President Donald Trump, Elon Musk at Michigan Capitol Saturday
The rally, held by Stand Against Extremism in "solidarity" with the 50501 movement, began at noon with a march around the Capitol. Afterward, the crowd stood in front of the steps of the Capitol to hear from local organizers, politicians and community members.
John Lathrop, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran from Battle Creek, said Saturday's event was "about the third" rally or protest he has been to this year.
"I don't agree with the current administration's policies, especially for veterans," he said. "Talking about cutting (Veterans Affairs), taking away from veterans..."
Gordon VanTonne, 76, from Waterford Township and also a Vietnam veteran, added that it was "important for people to know what veterans stood for."
Like the "Hands off!" protest earlier in April, protestors filled the Capitol lawn waving handmade signs opposing Trump and Elon Musk and calling on Congress -especially Democratic politicians - to act. There were fewer people than a protest held on April 5, when thousands showed up to protest the president's policies.
Groups like the Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equity set up booths around the edges of the crowd. George Kirby, a Downriver resident, said he was trying to raise awareness about the organization and call for unity with the working class.
Kirby, 35, said the American working class and young people were under attack, and there was no major party that was willing to stand up for them.
"There needs to be international unity for working class people," he said. "We need a working class party in the United States."
Shortly before the speakers, which included State Rep. Jasper Martus, D-Flushing, and Lansing activist Lorenzo Lopez, began, the crowd led a chant calling for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a union sheet metal worker and father of three who the Trump administration admitted was wrongly removed from the country a month ago. The Trump administration has argued Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, which they have labeled a terrorist organization, and in 2021 his wife sought a temporary protective order after a domestic dispute.
"They need to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back," Oakland County resident Tara Eavy said. "There was no due process. If it's happening to the most vulnerable among us, those with the least power, it could eventually happen to any of us."
Eavy, 28, held a sign showing the Statue of Liberty removing her earrings as if getting ready to fight. It read, "Girl. Hold my earrings."
The event Saturday was just one of many nationwide. In Michigan, similar protests have been held in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com. Follow her on X @sarahmatwood.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Hundreds protest Trump, Musk at Michigan Capitol Saturday
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