Scenes from the “Not My Presidents Day” protest in Cleveland [photos]

On Presidents Day, a crowd gathered outside at Market Square Park to protest President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The crowd asked for more checks and balances on the new administration, and specifically the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“I want to remind [the administration] we are the people… the government is for us, by us and not against us,” said Shannon Kantoroski, who was present at the event.

Many protestors held signs, not just directed at the president, but asking for Musk to step down. Signs at the event said things like,  “Eject Elon” or “No one voted for Elon Musk.” Despite the cold, approximately 200 people showed up for the event, estimated event organizers. 

“This administration is attacking a lot of things that ought to be protected and taking down a lot of protections that were already in place,” Kantoroski mentioned.

“I’m here for my granddaughters… I fear for their future,” said Fran Garofalo, who was in attendance holding up a sign reading “Nobody Elected Elon.” 

The Cuyahoga County GOP did not reply to a request for comment. However, according to the Associated Press, during the 2024 Presidential Election, Trump won more than 55 percent of votes in Ohio. Musk was appointed by Trump to be a special government employee and help advise Trump through DOGE.

According to a Washington Post poll Trump’s disapproval rate has risen from 49 percent to 53 percent.

Shawna, a social worker with the county who was at the protest, said she is concerned about higher education facing trouble.

“I’m a social worker advocating for my people that are in school right now, we don’t know what will happen to their future if institutions can’t be accredited,”she said. 

The crowd focused on polarizing issues, like the Trump administration trying to dismantle federal agencies through executive orders, and attempts to cut the federal work force by 10%.

This protest was co-organized by Lorain County Rising, Cuyahoga Democratic Women’s Caucus, Mobilize the Vote NEO, Indivisible NEO and Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.