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People protest Trump's actions at Lansing capitol building

January 29, 2025
<p>Protesters rally outside the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Jan. 29, 2025. The demonstration was organized via TikTok and other social media platforms, aiming to oppose fascism and advocate for human rights.</p>

Protesters rally outside the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Jan. 29, 2025. The demonstration was organized via TikTok and other social media platforms, aiming to oppose fascism and advocate for human rights.

At noon Wednesday, a group of people stood on the capitol lawn in Lansing with no organization or leadership. The signs they held read several different slogans on topics ranging from transgender rights to economic grievances.

All of the protesters had one thing in common: they heard about the marches happening all across the country through social media. 

“It was very cryptic and it was hard to find, but I did hear about it through TikTok,” Kassandra Cooper, 36, said. 

Cooper traveled from Ann Arbor to be at the protest today and admitted she was worried nobody was going to be present. 

“I showed up today because I think it’s time for everyone to speak out and those that are being quiet, they need to come to the forefront,” she said. “I want to be on the right side of history.” 

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Cooper said the variety of signs may be different but they are addressing problems within the same realm. The protesters came to speak out about the changes President Trump has made since regaining office on Jan. 20. 

“I stand against everything that Trump is for,” Cooper said. “I think the things that are taking the forefront right now are the mass deportations and him taking away rights.”

Cooper and the group she attended the protest with held signs referring to the mass deportations of immigrants that have begun across the country, ordered by President Trump. 

Lansing local Floyd Harkness, 66, said he heard about the protest from his daughter who got the information on social media. Harkness said he joined the protest because he believes the country is declining. 

“I’m a veteran and I believe what’s going on in our country is totally wrong,” Harkness said. “I took an oath to protect our country and I believe what our current administration is doing is trying to destroy my country. I think all voices need to be heard.”

He said human rights, particularly women’s rights, were his main reason for attending and he hopes the protest will increase in size at the next event. Like previous protests against fascism, this march was part of a series, with more planned for the near future through social media platforms. 

The protest began in the capital lawn and marched around the adjacent block. Protesters chanted a range of slogans, such as “democracy” and “people over profit.” 

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Phil McPherson, 46, traveled from Muskegon to attend the protest today. Him and his husband brought flags representing the LGBTQIA+ community to wave while marching. He heard about the protest on TikTok originally and then joined Facebook groups promoting the march. 

“Our rights are being infringed upon at a national level and fortunately we have a great governor in our state that’s protecting us, but it’s only a matter of time,” McPherson said. 

McPherson works at a healthcare organization in Muskegon where he directly sees the impacts of President Trump’s freeze on federal aid. 

“We take care of the vulnerable elderly population, and without this funding, they will suffer from everything from quality healthcare to food security to transportation to their housing,” he said. “There’s no other way to put it, it’s insane.” 

McPherson said the protesters have every reason to be marching and people need to open their eyes to what’s happening around them. 

“The things that are unfolding in America right now are a direct reflection of Project 2025 and those that are not paying attention are going to wish they had,” McPherson said.

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Project 2025 is a document outlining how the federal government, if led by a conservative president, can transform radically to adhere to right-wing ideology. McPherson said he is fearful for every marginalized community for the next four years. 

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Jasmine Insaol, 18, said she showed up to the protest because of the recent raids. She said this is a time where everybody can come together and make their voices heard. 

“It’s a people’s movement,” Insoal said. “People feel hurt, they feel scared and they’re getting together to do something about it. It’s our right as people to do something when the government is corrupt.” 

Although the group was not officially organized by any one person, several protesters took the lead, guiding the group through chants and walking routes. Insaol said her main priority in showing up is being heard. She hopes the protest is seen and that it sticks with people. 

“I want people to gather in and ask questions about why we’re here,” she said. “People want their voices heard and it’s hard to do that by yourself so it’s good to be in groups like this.”

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