Hundreds gather in Wenatchee to participate in nationwide Presidents Day Protest

On Presidents Day, approximately 300 individuals gathered at Memorial Park in Wenatchee to protest the sweeping changes enacted by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk as part of the nationwide 50501 Movement. This movement seeks to uphold constitutional rights and challenge what participants describe as executive overreach. Demonstrators, including local educators and scientists, expressed deep concerns about the impact of these policies on families, particularly regarding the fear of deportation among children in the community. Participants like Elizabeth Kazemba shared how her students have been affected by the current administration's immigration rhetoric, emphasizing the need for education about constitutional rights. The protest also addressed the mass termination of over 200,000 federal workers, leading to significant disruptions in academia, public service, and community support.

Molly Sayles, a Ph. D. candidate, highlighted how her research funding has been frozen, affecting vital projects in sustainable agriculture. Jeff Graham, a long-time Bureau of Land Management employee, called attention to the broader implications for public lands and community welfare. This demonstration reflects a growing movement among citizens advocating for transparency and responsiveness from their government.