Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Long Beach on Presidents Day for a "Not My President" rally, expressing their discontent with the Trump administration and the influence of Elon Musk. The event, held outside City Hall, featured demonstrators waving American and Mexican flags while displaying homemade signs with slogans such as "Impeach Trump," "Felon + Elon = Treason," and "I’ve seen smarter cabinets at Ikea."
The rally was fueled by a growing frustration among attendees regarding the numerous executive orders signed by President Trump since he took office, particularly those affecting climate policies, immigration, and reproductive rights. Amanda Salemi, a 40-year-old participant, articulated her opposition by holding a sign that read "People Over Profit" and carrying a rainbow flag. "I strongly stand against the majority of what the current administration stands for," she stated, emphasizing her desire to engage in activism.
The gathering was not only a platform for voicing grievances against Trump but also targeted Musk, who has taken on a controversial role in the administration as a "special government employee" in the Department of Government Efficiency. Many protesters questioned Musk’s qualifications for such a position, with one sign reading "Elon Must Go."
As the rally progressed, participants engaged in chants led by Anthony Bryson of SoCal Uprising, who called for the removal of both Trump and Musk. The crowd echoed phrases like, "Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go," creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose.
The event was part of a nationwide series of protests, with similar demonstrations occurring in cities across California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Camarillo. Many of these protests were organized by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots initiative aimed at promoting constitutional rights and curbing executive overreach.
Among those present were Denise Trutanich and Esther Duran, both 73, who reminisced about their earlier protest experiences during the Vietnam War. "I feel like we’re going backwards," Trutanich lamented, reflecting the sentiments of many who feel that recent political developments threaten democratic values.
As demonstrators marched along Ocean Boulevard, they encountered counter-protesters, leading to some heated exchanges. The rally highlighted the deep divisions in public opinion surrounding Trump’s presidency and Musk’s involvement in government.
This event not only served as a platform for dissent but also illustrated the ongoing national conversation about leadership, accountability, and the direction of the country under the current administration.