Utahns participate in nationwide Presidents’ Day protests against Trump, Musk

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Hundreds of Utahns gathered at the State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 17, to participate in an hours-long protest against President Donald Trump — but not everyone at the Capitol shared the same viewpoint.

Those who were demonstrating in support of President Trump drove with flags attached to their cars, with one supporter using a megaphone to say, “If you don’t like America, you can leave.”

The demonstrations in Utah followed similar themes as protests across the country, with some signs arguing against “kings” — depicting President Trump and tech billionaire-turned-financial adviser Elon Musk, who oversees the recently formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with crowns on their heads.

On Thursday, Musk called for the elimination of entire agencies. Monday’s nationwide protests — some of which were advertised in Utah as a “Not My President’s Day Rally” — came just days after layoffs across federal agencies.

“We will rise,” one speaker said, being met with cheers. “No party, no dictator will ever rule over us.”

Demonstrators on the steps of the capitol voiced their frustrations with the policies being put into place by the Trump administration.

“I feel like there’s a growing concern, growing anger in the population… and I think a lot of people are here to express that today,” protester Jens Pawelke told ABC4.com on Monday.

Carolyn Jenkins, another protester, said the people need a voice.

“We need to talk about how we are resisting the inhumane policies that Trump is enacting,” Jenkins said.

In Logan, Utah, demonstrators sang and gave speeches on Main Street.

“This is national protest day, for whatever you choose to protest related to the current administration,” Logan event orchestrator Jack Greene said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.