Hundreds of people assembled in downtown Long Beach on Presidents Day to participate in the “Not My President” rally, voicing their opposition to the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s involvement. The protest took place outside City Hall, where protesters proudly displayed American and Mexican flags alongside homemade signs bearing messages like “Impeach Trump,” “Felon + Elon = Treason,” and “I’ve seen smarter cabinets at Ikea.” The demonstrators expressed their discontent with the series of executive orders signed by President Trump, particularly those affecting climate policies, immigration, and reproductive rights.
Among the crowd was Amanda Salemi, a 40-year-old business operations manager, who held a sign reading “People Over Profit” and sported a rainbow flag in her pocket. Salemi shared her sentiments, stating, “I strongly stand against the majority of what the current administration stands for. I believe in democracy, not fascism, not a ruler or king. Our country is at risk, and I’m looking for any way I can get involved.” The rally also drew in lifelong friends Denise Trutanich and Esther Duran, both 73, who decided to attend after receiving text alerts about the event. Trutanich lamented, “It’s been a long time since we’ve protested — like, the Vietnam War. I’m so downtrodden by this whole thing. I feel like we’re going backwards.”
As the rally unfolded, activists delivered impassioned speeches while motorists passing by honked in support. Anthony Bryson, a member of SoCal Uprising and one of the rally’s organizers, led the crowd in chants of “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go. Hey hey, ho ho, Elon Musk has got to go.” The demonstration eventually transitioned into a march along Ocean Boulevard, where clashes erupted between protesters and vocal Trump supporters. The tension escalated as two women displayed flags and banners from a balcony, advocating for Trump’s potential 2024 candidacy.
One of the recurring themes throughout the protest was the criticism of Elon Musk’s role as a “special government employee” in the Department of Government Efficiency. Esther Duran, who held a sign stating “Elon Must Go,” questioned Musk’s qualifications for the position and expressed disdain for his involvement in government affairs. Duran’s sentiments were echoed by many others present at the rally, reflecting a widespread sentiment of discontent towards Musk’s influence.
The Long Beach demonstration was part of a larger movement, with similar protests occurring in various cities across California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Camarillo. These events were organized by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots collective focused on upholding the Constitution and challenging executive overreach.
The demonstrations served as a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and express their concerns about the current political climate. The presence of seasoned protesters alongside first-time participants highlighted the broad spectrum of voices united in opposition to the policies and actions of the Trump administration and figures like Elon Musk. As the protests continued to gain momentum nationwide, the collective call for change and accountability reverberated through the streets, underscoring the power of civic engagement and the enduring spirit of democracy.
