Opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration is becoming more vocal in the State College area.
Over 500 individuals, carrying political placards and umbrellas, endured a gloomy, rain-soaked Saturday to gather at Sidney Friedman Park for a "Hands Off!" demonstration against Trump and millionaire Elon Musk. The gathering took place on this damp day. as part of a countrywide initiative That witnessed over 1,200 comparable gatherings organized throughout all 50 states. The signs and speeches addressed a range of issues, including economic concerns and human rights.
Nationally, it was the largest protests up until now Since Trump assumed office, the local situation mirrored this trend as well. Approximately 350 were affected. went to last weekend's town hall meeting opposing Trump, and 250 gathered two weeks ago protesting against U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, who supports Trump)
I became engaged because I have faith in this nation, and I strongly oppose all that is currently happening," stated local demonstration speaker Ray Bilger, who is a combat veteran as well as a previous staff member of the Department of State’s diplomatic corps and intelligence sector. "Change can only be achieved when we unite and take such actions today to ensure our concerns are acknowledged.
The predominant query during last week's town hall focused on how individuals can contribute to stopping the administration's cuts and tariffs, as well as preventing longstanding allies from becoming adversaries. The advice offered in reply was for everyone to voice their concerns loudly and clearly.
The message, restated by Bilger on Saturday, seemed to have been understood.
The local organizers mentioned that around 500 individuals confirmed their attendance for the event, leading to an estimate between 500 to 600 attendees. However, others speculated that the number could have exceeded 1,000. Despite the increasing rainfall and volunteers distributing raincoats, the crowd seemed denser on Saturday compared to a regular weekend at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
Across the country, groups like MoveOn and Indivisible spearheaded the organizing of these rallies. However, over 150 collaborators at both local and national levels also played their part. Local entities participating included Central PA United, Left of Centre, Seven Mountains AFL-CIO, and the Centre County Democratic Committee.
During the one-hour gathering, four individuals alternated in recounting their experiences to the audience. These participants comprised Suzanne Weinstein from Keystone Indivisible, Connor Lewis who leads the Seven Mountains AFL-CIO chapter, Christy Delafield—an aid provider for those in need—and Bilger.
The divide during my time has never been as evident as it is today," Lewis stated. "You have the option to align with Elon Musk. Alternatively, you could stand alongside billionaires. But then again, you might opt to support the American workforce—the everyday working Americans who trust their nation and feel they merit better.
Estimates of nationwide participation had not been promptly disclosed. However, prior to the event, organizers stated their expectations. Over 600,000 have registered. to attend.
Why did you attend?
The Centre Daily Times approached five participants at the State College gathering to inquire about their motivation for attending this particular event.
Here’s what they said:
Chris Smith, who lives in State College
I'm deeply concerned about our future, particularly for our children, the environment, and the overall well-being of the country along with national security. The list of worries seems endless as each day more issues pile up. Safety is at the forefront of my concerns. It frightens me when individuals could be removed from their homes without proper legal procedures. Additionally, I’m alarmed by potential cuts to scientific research.
I was diagnosed with cancer, like my mother before me. The idea of cutting funds for cancer research, as well as support for asthma and ALS studies, seems utterly absurd. The thought of how long it might take to reinstate these programs is daunting because for countless individuals, precious time has already been lost.
Maezy Leitzinger, a student at Pennsylvania State University
It's crucial to advocate for our beliefs, and we ought to combat everything like this. This situation is not acceptable. That's essentially why I'm here—because it holds significance for me.
I'm glad about the massive attendance, but I was somewhat surprised that fewer people from Generation Z showed up. However, it's quite impactful to see older generations participating and being concerned about issues we care about.
Brant Rosenberger, who lives in State College
I'm attempting to understand how I can get engaged, essentially. Having resided here for approximately two decades, this is an unparalleled period to be living in these times. Thus, I wish to step forward, connect with others, gain knowledge from them, and ideally contribute my support as well.
I fax documents and make phone calls. However, when your own government ignores you completely, you must take action yourself. … While I'm not deeply involved in politics, I lean towards progressivism. Eventually, though, you need to stand up. There comes a moment when you realize, 'This is the peak of my rights. Things will only worsen from here.' This situation benefits nobody.
Joseph Haloua, who lives in State College
“I originally hail from France but I am now a U.S. citizen. My mother is from Prague, which was then part of Czechoslovakia, and she witnessed the Soviet invasion in 1968 when they took control of her nation. While I hold no grudge against individual Russians, what concerns me greatly is how the United States seems to be surrendering everything to an adversarial power. This situation alarms me profoundly. Coming from where I do, our countries were longtime allies, yet all of sudden, we find ourselves regarded as adversaries.”
On one side, you have Elon Musk discussing Western civilization, whereas on the opposite end, people are attempting to demolish or disintegrate it. Frankly speaking, being a business proprietor myself, I completely fail to grasp any logical economic rationale for this action. No justification exists; it appears entirely chaotic with no apparent reason.
Sydney Nicholson, a Pennsylvania State University student
Trump is eroding women's rights, which is a major concern for me. Additionally, he seems to be yielding to Elon Musk, someone not chosen through elections. Elon Musk is backing an alternative right-wing nationalist organization in Germany... this direction for the nation is truly terrible. It’s genuinely very bad.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, feeling unsafe is common too. Particularly if you're a person of color, there isn't safety anywhere. When you spot someone wearing a Make America Great Again cap, you think to yourself, 'Damn, keep your distance.' It’s all about the proliferation of hatred and aggression.
Sights and scenes
Take a detailed look at several of the political signs along with other sights observed during Saturday’s State College rally:
