Latest news with #HopeHighSchool
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands protest Trump, Musk in Providence rally
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Providence Saturday afternoon to protest the Trump administration and Elon Musk. Harrison Tuttle, who was in attendance and has been to past demonstrations protesting the administration, told 12 News organizers were there to 'resist' Trump and Musk from 'impacting Rhode Islanders across the state and across the country.' 'We're so excited to have so many Rhode Islanders come out and support this action here, 'Hands Off! Rhode Island,'' Tuttle said. 'This is a national movement that's going across the country right now and we're saying 'enough is enough,' we are resisting Donald Trump, we are resisting fascism and we are resisting hate of all forms.' Michael Durand, a South Kingstown resident, said he thinks the rally 'sends a message.' 'People are upset, rightfully so,' Durand added. 'I'm again grateful to see so many people here and know that there are tens of thousands, probably hundreds of thousands of people doing the same thing all across the country.' The rally in Providence began at Hope High School and made its way to Kennedy Plaza. This demonstration was part of a national movement called 'Hands Off!'. (Story continues below.) READ MORE: Protesters tee off against Trump and Musk in 'Hands Off!' rallies across the US Other demonstrations took place throughout the state in Tiverton, Portsmouth and Block Island. Similar rallies have happened in Rhode Island since Trump's second term began, including when hundreds gathered outside the State House in late February. ALSO READ: Hundreds gather at State House to protest Musk's involvement in Trump administration U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse were at one of the rallies that took place in Washington, D.C. Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers put out a statement in response to the rally. Below is his full statement. 'Let's be crystal clear, this 'Hands Off' movement isn't about protecting people, it's about protecting political privilege. If these protesters really cared about what's hurting Rhode Islanders, they'd be marching with signs that say 'Hands Off Our Money.' But instead, they've fallen for the latest round of D.C.-manufactured propaganda, spoon-fed by the Democrat Party and repeated verbatim by our very own Congressional delegation.' 'It's not the people exposing waste, abuse, and fraud who are the problem—it's the waste, abuse, and fraud itself. Why are the Democrats working so hard to defend bloated spending, unchecked bureaucracies, and programs that fail the people they're supposed to help? What exactly are they hiding? Is it because their taxpayer-funded debit card finally has a daily limit on it? 'It's offensive to hardworking Rhode Islanders to see political operatives parading as grassroots advocates while demanding no oversight, no accountability, and no limits on spending. Every dollar wasted by Washington is a dollar stolen from taxpayers who are working harder than ever to make ends meet. 'Enough is enough. If the Democrats are truly worried about helping people, they'd clean up the mess—not try to cover it up. Rhode Islanders deserve leaders who protect their wallets, not political insiders who protect their own interests.' NEXT: Nesi's Notes: April 5 Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘It's just more gangster government': Scenes from the ‘Hands Off' protests against Trump, Musk in Rhode Island
Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration. Carlos Munos Ward's protesting days go back to the 1970s when she marched against the invasion in Cambodia. But for her, Trump and his cabinet 'are so unthinkable and frustrating.' Ward said she questions why Republican members of Congress 'never' challenge the administration, particularly when it comes to tariffs and what she says is anti-Europe rhetoric. 'The rule of law is gone. He's making enemies around the world in our name,' she said. 'We're not at war, but we're not at peace. What will it take to erupt?' Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration. Carlos Munos Advertisement Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration. Carlos Munos Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration. Carlos Munos Spencer Barney said this wasn't her first protest. In her 28 years, the few she has marched in have all been related to speaking out against the actions of a Trump administration. 'I'm really upset about the state of things. It's like we stopped caring about our communities, said Barney, a Massachusetts native, as she held a sign that said 'U.S. Mail: NOT FOR SALE.' 'It's not that hard to care about other people,' said Barney, who said they were most upset about trans children who could not access gender-affirming care and immigrants being deported. 'But it's like this country forgot how to care, and that's why we're out here. To remind them.' Advertisement Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration. Carlos Munos Shouting into a microphone in front of thousands, Daniel Denvir, the co-chair of Reclaim R.I., said he was 'infuriated and ashamed' that the federal government has continued to send support to support has 'continued the Palestinian genocide,' he said. Rhode Island state Representative Karen Alzate, who previously told the Globe how she had Rhode Island state Representative Karen Alzate spoke at the "Hands Off" protest against President Trump in Providence on Saturday, APril 5, 2025. 'You will not continue to deport my family, my friends, my neighbors.' Alexa Gagosz 'The economy is for us. And we're here to tell this administration that you will not continue to tax our money to use it for your game,' said Representative Karen Alzate, who said she is also introducing a bill locally that she said will tax the rich. 'You will not continue to deport my family, my friends, my neighbors.' Health care workers and union members also went after Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat who proposed a state budget this year that cut millions from health care entities like hospitals and nursing response, the crowd of thousands shouted 'Shame!''We have a saying in our union: When the boss says no, we say yes,' said Jesse Martin, executive vice president of SEIU 1199. This is a developing story and will be updated. Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
