Protesters Gather to Oppose Trump on ‘Not My Presidents Day’ • New Jersey Monitor

By
Joe Killer
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Allison Lacko from Bridgewater lost her position last week as a researcher for the federal Department of Agriculture, cut along with countless other government employees in large-scale layoffs initiated by the new Trump administration on Thursday.

On Monday, Lacko participated in a demonstration in Trenton, joining hundreds of others to protest against President Donald Trump and the flurry of directives he has issued during his inaugural month in office. The “Not My Presidents Day” rally outside the Statehouse was part of a nationwide effort aimed at emphasizing that “presidents are not kings,” as highlighted by one of the placards.

“The talent and research sectors are being dismantled in a manner that will take years to mend, and it represents a significant setback for American well-being and leadership on the global stage,” Lacko remarked.

The grassroots leaders of the protest demanded Trump’s resignation or impeachment, called for probes into his appointees such as Elon Musk, urged the reversal of specific executive orders, and sought the reestablishment of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Mercedes Davidson from North Arlington attended the protest out of dissatisfaction with Trump’s previous term, expressing concern that “he is truly going to lead this country to ruin.” She also voiced her worries regarding women’s rights and Trump’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Education.

“As an educator, the potential elimination of the Department of Education poses a significant threat to us,” she explained.

Many demonstrators voiced their concern over Musk’s prominent position in the new administration, with some chanting: “Deport Elon!” Musk, the billionaire head of Tesla, oversees the Department of Government Efficiency, the newly formed agency responsible for the mass layoffs and other controversial cuts.

“He’s akin to another Michael Cohen, executing equally underhanded actions against the American populace,” commented Mel Gardner from Mercer County, referencing Trump’s former attorney, often depicted as his fixer. “This is an extraordinary injustice being inflicted on the American people.”

Claudette Stulz from Jacobstown echoed that feeling.

“It’s absurd that he can appoint individuals who weren’t elected to hold power over our nation,” Stulz asserted. “Our country is morphing into a fascist regime.”

Mike Pekarofski, a history instructor at Essex County College, expressed his apprehension regarding the government’s role as a protector of the populace, which he feels is “deteriorating” under Trump and Musk, increasingly favoring corporate interests.

“I’m worried about democracy, about the Republic, and I cannot shake the feeling that we’re being taken over by someone who is not elected,” Pekarofski remarked.

Lacko added that many of Musk’s cutbacks defy logic, considering his professed aim of reducing government waste. In her role as a policy analyst focused on child nutrition, she worked on enhancing operations to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren.

“I view it as wasteful to censor data. It’s wasteful to dismantle ongoing research initiatives,” she stated.

Concerns extended beyond Musk, with posters, chants, and a speaker with a megaphone addressing issues including LGBTQ rights, Palestine, and immigration.

“Silence is violence! Silence is compliance!” the protesters shouted. “Stop the stupid! Stop the coup!”

Gloria Meiterman from Manalapan found it challenging to articulate precisely what motivated her to demonstrate.

“Where do you even begin? It’s just everything. I think he wakes up each day thinking, ‘How can I screw something up?’” she said. “Our values, our morals, and our standing in the global community are just deteriorating. We are heading toward isolation, which isn’t how the world operates. Therefore, I’m doing this for my children, my grandchildren, and hopefully for our future.”

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