(Olympia, WA) Throughout a snowy day in Olympia, around 1,500 people showed up at the Washington state Capitol campus to protest against President Donald Trump and his policies.
Crowds marched around the Tivoli Fountain and shouted “Trump and Elon have got to go,” while others held up signs that said “We did not vote for this” and “Dump Trump.”
Cars honked in support as they drove by demonstrators lined up along Capitol Way, a main street running through Olympia.
“I’m concerned about our democracy and I don’t want to lose our democracy,” said Karen Tvedt.
The protest was part of a national effort branded 50501, which called for 50 protests in 50 states on one day to push for Trump’s impeachment and the rejection of Project 2025, a conservative policy document that critics say is providing a blueprint for the Trump administration.
No organization took credit for organizing the rally in Washington, which made some protestors wary of attending.
Most people found out about the event through social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Reddit.
The rally started at around 12:30 p.m. at the fountain, which is located just east of the Legislative Building. At around 3 p.m., the group moved in front of the Capitol steps before moving back to the Capitol lawn. Most of the crowd dispersed by around 4:30 p.m.
Many attendees said that while they were worried about politics at the national level, they were glad to live in a Democratic-run state.
“I am so grateful I live in a blue state and I’ve done that intentionally so I can have freedom,” Marie Alexander said.
Some of the issues people expressed concerns about included rights for immigrants, transgender people, and those seeking abortions and other reproductive health care.
Many said they have experienced shock, frustration, and stress since Trump took office on Jan. 20.
“I can’t sleep very well, I can’t eat, I’m having a lot of anxiety and I’m just really worried,” said one attendee, Georgia, who didn’t want to give her full name.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, said she’s not surprised to see Washingtonians are showing up in this way.
“We are a state that didn’t support his election to the presidency,” Jinkins told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “Our population voted really strongly for another candidate.”
“He is our president,” she said, but added: “It’s my obligation to protect Washington’s way of life, and I think they’re out there saying ‘We’re going to do that, too.’”
Morgan Peterson said she’s felt a lot of dread and uncertainty for what the next four years hold, but rallies like the one today give her hope.
“I think the more local organizing we do, the bigger changes we make within our own communities,” Peterson said. “I honestly hope that people make connections out here and talk to each other because that’s where, in Olympia, we can make a difference.”
This story first appeared on Washington State Standard. Reporter Jake Goldstein-Street contributed to this report.
