BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – As some Vermonters celebrated the inauguration, more than 100 others protested in Burlington’s City Hall Park.
Chants rang out in Burlington Monday afternoon as community members protested the rhetoric and policies of the incoming Trump administration.
“I’m here today because I just can’t stand another four years of Donald Trump,” said Ryan Curran of Burlington.
The rally, time to correspond to Trump’s inauguration, was part of a national day of demonstrations in more than 70 cities in the U.S.
“Democracy’s at stake. I hope people take that seriously. Our Democratic way is no longer going to exist under the Trump administration,” said Jeanette O’Brien of Williston.
Participants called for support of workers’ rights, Palestinians, the planet, and immigrant rights ahead of Trump’s promise to conduct mass deportations.
“The fear is real for our communities. But at the same time, we’ve been through this before and we know that we’re stronger. We’re essential workers and you know it’s going to affect the whole country, these mass deportations,” said Marita Canedo with the group Migrant Justice.
Participants said it’s important to gather and organize to show support for what they believe in