Local News
By Luca Filigenzi, Staff Writer
Over the last few weeks, there has been a dramatic increase in protests throughout the Cincinnati metropolitan area. These protests cover a wide variety of issues, but the primary goal they all share is voicing their disapproval of the Trump administration.
Throughout the month of April, cities in states across the nation have participated in protests to call out the Trump administration’s recent actions, Cincinnati being one of them.
President Trump’s work with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and accused overreach of the federal government has drawn immense scrutiny. The massive federal layoffs, the reduction of the National Park Service and the deportation of people suspected to have entered the U.S. illegally, have increased tension across the nation.
Protests such as the Hands Off! and the 50501 movements have been two of the largest groups to voice their dissent. Each has seen thousands of attendees in Cincinnati and tens of thousands more across the country.
The “Hands Off” movement argues that certain government programs such as Medicare and Social Security, as well as voting rights, are in danger of becoming disintegrated, and they would like the administration to keep their ‘hands off’ these programs. In Cincinnati, the group marched from Washington Park to City Hall on April 5 and included many different smaller organizations. Labor unions, political activists, veterans, and LGBT+ organizations were particularly vocal in their concerns.
50501 was first organized with the goal to “uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach,” according to their website.
Their name comes from their goal of making the movement national with 50 states, 50 protests in 1 day. Cincinnati did its part on April 19 and heard from some unique speakers in addition to the standard marching and sign-holding. Social justice writer, teacher and community organizer Christy Pembar attended and expressed her support for the protests. Along with her, Mayor Aftab Pureval took part and voiced his concern over the recent federal changes relating to layoffs and deportations.
“As mayor, it is my job to protect us from the dangers of the federal government as much as I can,” Pureval said.
“I attended the Hands Off protest a couple of weeks ago. I’m glad these protests have taken off so quickly,” first-year Philosophy, Politics and the Public major Jacob Wineinger said. “They have been very effective at putting pressure on Elon and Trump. We need more young people — men and women — participating in protests.”
Since the protests, the White House released an official statement, saying that President Trump would continue to support certain organizations, like Medicare and Social Security. Kamala Harris has also reacted to the protests, voicing her support for the 50501 and Hands Off movements.
Protests are scheduled to continue into May, with 50501 scheduled to hold another day of action on May 1, where Cincinnati is excpected to remain prevalent and involved.
