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 both President Trump and tycoon Elon Musk. The gathering took place as scheduled. a component of a countrywide initiative That witnessed over 1,200 comparable gatherings organized throughout all 50 states. The signs and speeches covered a range of issues, including economic concerns and human rights.
Nationally, it was the largest protests to date Since Trump assumed presidency, the local situation mirrored this trend as well. (Approximately 350) went to the town hall meeting this past weekend 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 current events," stated local rally speaker Ray Bilger, a combat veteran and ex-employee of the Department of State’s diplomatic corps and intelligence sector. "Change will only occur when we unite as one and take actions such as those happening today, ensuring our concerns are acknowledged.
The predominant query during last week's town hall centered on how individuals can contribute to preventing the administration's reductions and import taxes, as well as stopping former partners from becoming adversaries. The answer provided was for everyone to rise up and voice their opinions.
The message, restated by Bilger on Saturday, seemed to be understood.
According to local organizers, around 500 individuals confirmed their attendance for the event; thus, they projected participation between 500 to 600 attendees. However, others speculated that the turnout could have exceeded 1,000 people. Despite the increasing rainfall and volunteers distributing ponchos, the park seemed significantly busier on Saturday compared to a typical 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 speakers were Suzanne Weinstein from Keystone Indivisible, Connor Lewis who leads the Seven Mountains AFL-CIO chapter, Christy Delafield—an aid worker focused on humanitarian efforts—and Bilger.
The divide during my time has never been starker than it is today," Lewis stated. "You have the option to align with Elon Musk. Alternatively, you could stand alongside the ultra-wealthy. But then again, you might decide to support the American workforce—the everyday working individuals who trust their nation and feel they merit better.
Estimates of national attendance were not immediately known. But organizers reported before the event that 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 event: What made it significant for you to be here today?
Here’s what they said:
Chris Smith, who lives in State College
I'm deeply concerned about our future, particularly the well-being of our children, the state of the environment, and the overall health and security of the country. The list of worries seems endless as each day adds new concerns. Safety is at the forefront of my mind, fearing individuals could be removed and deported without proper legal proceedings. Additionally, I’m alarmed by potential cuts to scientific research.
I was diagnosed with cancer, like my mother before me. It's outrageous that they'd reduce funding for cancer research, as well as for asthma and ALS studies. This is absurd. The time required to reinstate these funds will be significant, but for countless individuals, this delay has come far too soon.
Maezy Leitzinger, a student at Pennsylvania State University
It's crucial to advocate for our beliefs, and we ought to combat everything going on here. This situation is not acceptable. That's largely the reason I'm present—because it holds significance for me.
I'm glad to see this massive turnout, but I was somewhat surprised by the absence of many from Generation Z. However, it's quite impactful to witness members of older generations participating and sharing our concerns.
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. Therefore, I wish to step out and connect with others, discover new things, and ideally contribute my support.
I fax documents and make phone calls. However, when your own government disregards what you say, you must take action yourself. … Though I'm not extremely politically involved, I lean towards progressivism. There comes a moment when you need to stand up. Eventually, you realize, 'This is the peak of my rights; they'll decrease from here.' This situation benefits nobody.
Joseph Haloua, who lives in State College
“I originally hail from France but later became 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. Although I hold no grudge against individual Russians, what concerns me greatly is how the United States seems to be surrendering everything to an adversary from abroad. This situation alarms me profoundly because where I'm from, our countries were longstanding allies, yet now we find ourselves being regarded as adversaries.”
On one side, you have Elon Musk discussing Western civilization, but simultaneously, efforts seem aimed at undermining or dismantling it. Frankly, being a business owner myself, I completely fail to grasp any economic rationale for this. There isn’t even an attempt at justification; it’s simply unexplained disorder.
Sydney Nicholson, a student at Pennsylvania State University
Trump is eroding women's rights, which is a major concern for me. Additionally, he seems to be capitulating to Elon Musk, someone not chosen through elections. This is problematic because Musk backs an alternative right-wing nationalist organization in Germany... this direction for the nation is truly terrible; it genuinely distresses me.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, feeling unsafe is common too. This issue intensifies for people of color; everywhere can seem dangerous. When someone sports a MAGA cap, you might think, 'Damn, keep your distance.' It’s all about spreading hatred and violence.
Sights and scenes
Take a detailed look at several of the political signs and additional sights observed during Saturday’s rally in State College: