Activists gathered in downtown Chicago today, urging U.S. Senators to push back against President Donald Trump’s executive orders and appointments. The “Stop Trump’s Power Grab” rally began at noon in Daley Plaza, just steps from the Dirksen Federal Building, where demonstrators planned to deliver letters to Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin.
Organizers, including members of Indivisible Chicago, criticized Senate Democrats for not doing enough to oppose Trump’s policies and nominees. In a statement, the group accused Trump of overreaching his executive authority, particularly in halting federal loans and grants. They also raised concerns over claims that billionaire Elon Musk had unauthorized access to the Treasury Department, calling it a “coup.”
Protesters demanded that Senate Democrats take aggressive action to block Trump’s agenda by:
- Opposing all Trump nominees
- Denying unanimous consent to slow Senate proceedings
- Voting “no” on all cloture motions
- Forcing quorum calls at every opportunity
The rally is part of a broader effort to resist what activists see as an abuse of executive power, urging lawmakers to take a stronger stance in defense of democratic institutions.
Earlier last week, Anti-Trump protestors gathered in downtown Chicago for the People’s March for Justice, an event organized to oppose President Donald Trump’s agenda. The march will begin at noon at Water Tower Park.
Comprising more than 60 organizations, the People’s March for Justice is calling for immediate aid to Gaza, independence for Palestine, and an end to deportations of immigrants and refugees. The demonstration was initially scheduled for Trump’s inauguration earlier this week but was postponed due to severe cold weather.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining Illinois and Chicago as sanctuary areas. This comes in the wake of threats from the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute officials who resist the president’s immigration enforcement policies.
