Columbus activists gathered to join the nationwide ‘Not My President’s Day’ protest
Columbus residents gathered on the corner of 10th and Broad Street Monday to participate in a local demonstration aligning with similar demonstrations held across the country, informally deemed the “Not My President’s Day” protest.
The protest, organized by the local Indivisible group, came together as a platform for members to voice their concerns about recent changes to federal policies. Participants carried signs and chanted slogans related to various national issues, specifically Elon Musk’s work with the recently-formed Department of Government Efficiency.
One of the more passionate protest participants, Ann Lincoln Curtis, said during the event, “No one is above the law. We had the rule of law in this country, but we don’t seem to have it anymore. It’s lost.”
Laura Irving, who helped organize the event, said she wants to “encourage folks that might feel alone right now; to understand that they have support in their community. We want to encourage folks who are feeling overwhelmed by the news and by all the different things coming out, that there are still folks who care.”
The Columbus demonstration remained largely peaceful, though some passersby shouted at the protesters and a local business owner showed up to counter-protest. Mary Heisey, owner of local restaurant Ruth Ann’s, and her daughter showed up to the event and shared live video on Facebook that showed a confrontation between the two and some demonstrators.
Heisey characterizes herself as “conservative and (in) support of the current administration” and “pro-DOGE,” and the tense exchange was related to differing opinions on current issues.
The Columbus Police Department sent a patrol car to the area, though the officer stayed about a one-block distance of the gathering.
AP News reported on many other protests across the country, with thousands turning out in many states, including California, Florida, Massachusetts and Washington D.C..
The rallies are a result of the many executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, and came just days after layoffs across federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce.
“There are still folks who are taking action and folks who are organizing,” said Irivn, leader of Monday’s demonstration.
What are your thoughts about the protests in Columbus and around the world? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM.
