Despite below freezing temps, protesters rally against Trump, urge Dems to take action

Hundreds of protesters braved subzero windchills Monday to attend a President’s Day protest at the Michigan Capitol on Monday.

Michigan Advance

February 18, 2025

Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance

BY ANDREW ROTH, MICHIGAN ADVANCE

LANSING—Hundreds of protesters braved subzero windchills Monday to attend a President’s Day protest at the Michigan Capitol on Monday.

But while the group gathered to protest the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration, they also took aim at Democratic members of Congress who they feel aren’t doing enough to oppose Trump’s policies.

Maggie Doyle said that Democrats currently have a lack of leaders rising to the moment.

“Our leadership is failing us right now,” Doyle said. “We need someone to stand up and say, ‘Don’t take down your pride flag. Don’t close your D.E.I. department. Stand strong, stand together, we will get through this.’”

The crowd repeatedly broke out into chants of “where’s our Reps?” during the rally and multiple signs questioned why Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), along with members of Michigan’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, have not been more forcefully opposing Trump during his first month in office.

It was unclear earlier Monday whether the protest would go on. The event was originally planned by the national 50501 Movement, named for the goal of holding 50 protests in 50 states on one day. The group previously drew a large crowd to the Capitol on Feb. 5.

But after the original organizers sent out a text saying the event had been cancelled due to the extreme cold, local activists decided to push forward with the event anyways.

“There’s no central committee organizing today’s demonstrations, and it seems to have happened organically,” one local organizer said.

Kimberly Bogan said that the number of people who turned out to the protest despite the weather and official cancellation is a show of strength for the movement.

“The challenges that we face ahead are formidable, but I know that our collective resolve is stronger,” Bogan said. “Let this gathering today be a testament to our commitment to justice, equality and freedom. Together, we will rise, resist and reclaim the soul of our nation.”

This coverage was republished from Michigan Advance pursuant to a Creative Commons license.

Keep The 'Gander free for everyone

If you found this story useful, would you consider supporting The 'Gander?

Every day, our team works to provide Michiganders with free, fact-based reporting about the issues, policies, and decisions shaping life across the state. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy local news—not just those who can afford a subscription.

That's why you'll never hit a paywall here (though we may ask you to sign up for our newsletter). But keeping our journalism free depends on readers who believe informed communities are worth investing in.

If our reporting has helped you better understand what's happening in Michigan, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution helps us continue reporting, informing, and serving communities across the state.