Thousands of protesters gathered in Union Square on President’s Day, February 17th, 2025, for the National Day of Protest and Resist the Dictator march. The park filled angry spectators with Donald Trump masks, hateful signs and banners and the sounds of blaring snare drums, the high-pitched jingling of tambourines, and the banging of cowbells.
Protesters flooded out of the train stations at Union Square at lunchtime chanting loudly “We are mad! and we are pissed!” The demonstration was a community outcry against Trump.
Things like January 6 amnesties, LGBTQ reversals, ICE raids, mass firints of government employees, and even the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico were among the many outrages that inspired the crowd.
“No more kings!” shouted furious protesters in the frigid temperatures renaming President’s Day “No Kings Day”. At 2 pm, the diverse crowd began marching down Broadway and East 12th Street, next to the Strand, with their colorful signs and banners held high in the air.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community were out and proud in the protest waving rainbow flags and the pink, royal blue, and purple striped bisexual flags. The parade made a right at East 10th Street and Broadway, down University Place, ending at Washington Square Park. NYPD was present, bringing watchful eyes to ensure a safe demonstration.
“These fascists want to do more damage than the usual system,” said Sarah F., from Resolution Books NYC in Harlem. “That’s why I am here today. Humanity and to stop fascism.
As the arch came into view, people i startedscreaming through megaphones: “Donald Trump is mentally ill!” and: “He is a narcissistic sociopath!”
Additional support came in the form of cars honking at the crowd.
Protesters then turned their attention to Elon Musk chanting “Fuck Elon Musk!” and “ Deport Musk, not Immigrants!”
Once in the park, speakers addressed the large group. “It’s disheartening to grow up in a country that is supposed to be the land of the free” said Gabby Finochio, an FIT student. “I am friends with queer, people of all different races, gender, and ethnicities. Everyone deserves equal love, equal rights, and equal justice. I ask, What does my future look like as a young American?” she said.
As children played with a soccer ball illustrated with the head of Trump, the chants continued and musicians played. The duet Jeannie Skelly performed 4 Non-Blondes’ “What’s Up” singing
“No more Trump! No more fascist!” “No more KKK!” with the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag proudly waving during their performance.
The demonstration continues into the evening hours. Protesters continue to wave signs and banners as the sunset at the Washington Square Arch. As the demonstration began closing, protesters screamed “Fuck Trump! Or “Fuck Fascist!” One protester held up a signed summering the fears behind the demonstration reading, “Donald Trump is changing the American dream into a nightmare.”
(photo by Sherica Daley)
