Feb. 6, 2025 — RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Virginia State Capitol on Wednesday to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies. The demonstration was part of the nationwide “50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Day” movement, which aims to challenge recent executive actions and demand greater transparency, accountability, and human rights protections.
Calls for Transparency and Change
Protest organizer Dia Figueroa spoke out against corporate lobbying and Trump’s controversial Project 2025, a policy plan that critics say could undermine civil rights.
“I want more transparency on corporate lobbying in Congress. I want Project 2025 to be dismantled. It’s unconstitutional, and it takes away people’s rights. We need more regulation on what Trump can do,” Figueroa said.
The protest was organized by a coalition of grassroots groups in collaboration with Political Revolution, an advocacy group pushing for policy reforms.
Concerns Over Civil Rights and Equality
Among the demonstrators was Sherrie Bingham, a mother advocating for transgender rights.
“I am the parent of a demonized individual,” Bingham said. “I have a trans child, and the laws being enacted against trans people are nothing more than a Republican dog whistle. We’re normal people—just trying to live our lives.”
Republican Response
In response to the protests, Rich Anderson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, defended Trump’s policies in a statement:
“Over the last decade, obstructionist Democrats have rallied in opposition to President Trump and have failed at every turn. The lightning-fast changes that President Trump has implemented in the three weeks since his inauguration are a no-holds-barred fulfillment of the massive mandate he received from the American people for revolutionary, not evolutionary, change.
President Trump won the popular vote, the Electoral College, and all seven battleground states. Republicans won the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. President Trump is now delivering on his promises. Leftist Democrats can resist and obstruct all they want, but they have failed the American people.”
Youth Activists Demand Action
Sixteen-year-old human rights activist Jones, a student at Matacoa High and founder of The Changemaker Diaries, emphasized the urgency of resisting Trump’s policies.
“We’ve already seen the repeal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, the threat of eliminating the Department of Education, and the deportation of nearly 30,000 immigrants. These are serious issues because this is supposed to be the land of the free,” Jones said.
She urged more people, especially those in positions of power, to take action.
“I want to see more action, more discussions, and more high-level leaders working to stop Trump’s policies. We can stand here and protest, but our actions are limited unless real change happens,” she added.
Protesters’ Key Demands
The demonstrators presented a list of requests aimed at reversing or limiting Trump’s actions:
- Removal of Donald Trump from the presidency through resignation or impeachment.
- Mass investigations into politicians appointed by Trump.
- A federal investigation into Elon Musk’s role in government, with legal action if violations are found.
- Overturning executive orders that infringe on civil and human rights.
- Stronger hate speech laws, including bans on Nazi propaganda and salutes.
- Reinstating DEI frameworks to promote equality and social justice.
Governor Youngkin’s Absence
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin did not respond to requests for a statement. He was in Washington, D.C., alongside President Trump, as the president signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in female sports.
The protest in Richmond is just one of many demonstrations happening across the country as activists push back against the Trump administration’s policies.
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