Thousands of Connecticut residents took to the streets Saturday for another weekend of nationwide protests against President Donald Trump, railing against executive power that continues to jeopardize funding, jobs, and consumer prices throughout the country.
Crowds gathered outside the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford, the US Social Security Administration offices in Waterbury, Norwalk City Hall, and several other locations throughout the state.
The protests coincided with the 50501 movement’s nationwide “day of action,” which has sought to mobilize protests in every state on the same day since Trump took office and began dismantling federal programs that provided millions of dollars in funding to states such as Connecticut.
The moves have coincided with tens of thousands of layoffs across government agencies, and the administration’s most recent tariff increases have raised concerns about thousands of dollars in additional costs for families.
In Norwalk, Connecticut, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas urged hundreds of rally attendees to stay involved in the political process. She emphasized her point with a quote from the late Civil Rights leader and Congressional representative, John Lewis.
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair,” Thomas advised, quoting Lewis. “Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Our struggle is not for a single day, week, month, or year. It is a lifelong struggle. Never be afraid to make a noise and get yourself in trouble. “Necessary trouble.”
Colin Hosten, chairperson of the Norwalk Democratic Town Committee, argued that Connecticut residents of various political beliefs must band together to oppose the Trump administration.
“Tyranny will succeed when we are divided,” Hosten told me. “We do not agree on everything. But we must agree on one thing. That is, we must unite and speak out against what we are seeing in Washington.”
In addition to Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwalk, organizers reported plans for 14 other events across the state. They included New Haven, New London, Torrington, Norwich, and Brookfield.
The Hartford event page stated that they will celebrate Patriot’s Day, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, to “protest the current administration and their dismantling of the very ideals that the revolutionaries fought and died for.”
The Waterbury protest started at 11 a.m. At noon, a crowd gathered at the State Capitol. The event in Norwalk began at 2 p.m. on the Town Green, followed by a march to City Hall.
The Norwalk protest’s event page stated that residents planned to rally in support of “free and fair elections, equal representation, and government by the people, for the people!”
“Democracy belongs to all of us—not dictators, kings, dynasties, billionaires, or those who seek to hoard power and accumulate wealth for the 1%,” according to the Norwalk event’s website. “It’s time to TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK.”
