Hundreds of protesters gathered at the state Capitol in bitter weather Monday to oppose President Donald Trump and an array of policies such as health care, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
The “Not My President's Day” protests, organized by the 50501 Movement — 50 states, 50 protests, one day — took place across the nation to oppose the Trump administration’s executive orders, reject Project 2025 and condemn what organizers label the rise of fascism and oligarchy.
This protest occurred just over a week after the first, where around 400 people protested Trump and Project 2025 at the Capitol on Feb. 5 before marching down State Street as a part of a national day of protest.
Filling the steps above the Forward statue, demonstrators carried signs calling for Trump’s impeachment, denouncing an “executive coup,” advocating for the deportation of Elon Musk and opposing the Department of Government Efficiency.
A resource table behind the Forward statue provided free emergency contraception, xylazine and fentanyl test strips, condoms, voting guides, brochures and protest signs. To help protestors manage the freezing temperatures, the table also distributed hand warmers and hot chocolate.
Speakers addressed the crowd, and the activist group “Raging Grannies” performed protest songs.
Sasha Rivers, a member of the Eagle Clan of the Ho-Chunk Nation, spoke about injustices faced by Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants. She described stories from immigrant families voicing their biggest fears: separation from their children, educational dreams dashed and homes being destroyed.
“I am here to let it be known that no one is illegal on stolen land,” Rivers said in a speech during the protest. “We can no longer afford to remain silent and turn a blind eye. We must rise up together. And although our voices may shake, we must raise our voices together.”
Reese Sherman, a representative of We the People of Wisconsin, helped secure the event’s permit and coordinated with Capitol police to ensure peaceful communication between protesters and authorities.
“I came here because I don't really have a choice anymore,” Sherman told The Daily Cardinal. “When [Trump] won, I was disappointed in America, but I knew there was nothing I could do, right? Then January 20 came around, and I felt really angry. So, I wanted to redirect my anger into action.”
Sherman spoke about her struggles navigating the health care system and affording college, describing herself as being caught in the system.
“They don't teach you about ‘hey, they're going to deny your health care, and you're going to have to argue, here's how you argue professionally.’ They don’t teach you that you're going to have to beg for scholarships from people to be able to afford your way through school,” Sherman said. “I've realized they do it on purpose and that it's to keep us confused.”
Sherman also pushed back against the negative stereotypes about Generation Z, arguing that her generation has seen firsthand the struggles of their parents and is demanding change.
“We hear that Gen Z sucks at working, and that we’re lazy — I think it's because we're tired,” she said, explaining that Gen Z has seen that other countries have free public health care and education, and she is fighting for a better future.
Parents at the protest echoed similar concerns. Jess Pagel, a mother of four, said she wanted to set an example for her children.
“As parents, we need to show our kids that you have a voice and you can stand up and you can make a difference,” Pagel told the Cardinal. “So being here and showing them that we're fighting for their future is crucial.”
And Angela Lund attended the demonstration to advocate for women’s rights and broader human rights protections.
“I just want my daughters to have a good life — a life at all,” Lund told the Cardinal. “By destroying democracy, there is no future for anybody but the top 10%.”
Another attendee of the demonstration, who remained anonymous for personal reasons, is the daughter of an immigrant and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She said that she could no longer be a passive activist.
“We have to be the front runners. We have to be fighting. We have to be talking to people about having those conversations that aren't easy to have,” she said. “That was another big part of it — I often didn't push those around me to have those conversations because I'm not into confrontation. We have to be confrontational; it's the only option.”
Organizers emphasized the importance of unity, building a movement that is interconnected and voting in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race on April 1, reminding attendees to vote in the spring primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
