Freeport activists protest Trump policies on Presidents Day

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Protests, organized nationwide by the 50501 Movement, sprung up across the United States on the Presidents Day holiday as part of a “National Day of Protest” against the policies of President Donald Trump.

At the Stewart Centre in Freeport, protesters joined in the national movement, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, 1 day.

“The genesis for this event today. This protest, came because I had seen online that there was a National Day of Protest. So, we decided we needed to speak up, too,” said Sharon Koch. “The group that gathered here today just grew out of a grassroots concern for what’s been happening to our country and to our rights.”

Liberal activists and Democrats have voiced concerns over Trump’s series of executive orders aimed at reducing the size and scope of the federal government.

Paul Hoffman, of the Winnebago County Republican Central Committee, said conservative voters support Trump’s policy goals. “We from the Republican side think that he’s following his promises and we really like to see money spent in the right direction,” he said.

“A lot has happened quickly with the Trump presidency and a lot of what’s behind that is the fact that he has experience and had worked through some issues in his first term,” Hoffman added.

Hoffman said he believed in an American’s right to protest, saying, “I believe that everyone has an opportunity to express their concerns. From my perspective, they’re misplaced.”