Despite below freezing temps, protestors rally against Trump, urge Democrats to take action

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.”