Nationwide protest against Trump, Musk comes to Stockton

Hundreds of Stocktonians and residents from neighboring cities of all ages, and even a few four-legged friends, gathered at the intersection of March Lane and Feather River Drive on Saturday as part of a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

More than 1,200 anti-Trump rallies, organized under the Hands Off! campaign, were held across the country in opposition to recent actions by Trump and Musk related to government downsizing, the economy, immigration and human rights.

Protesters in Stockton chanted and waved American flags and homemade signs at passing cars, igniting a near-constant cacophony of blaring car horns Saturday morning and into the afternoon.

Dawn Griep, who organized Stockton’s Hands Off! rally, said the event had an “awesome” turnout, noting that about 1,000 people had signed up to attend.

“I was expecting about 50 people, and there’s way more than that,” Griep said. “So, let’s go, Stockton.” 

Griep describes herself as “very introverted.” 

“I’ve never protested before,” Griep said. “I am absolutely disgusted with this administration. … We gotta fight for our democracy before it ends.”

Protester Joel Kramer waved a small American flag for about two hours Saturday morning while sitting on his walker before taking a break. Feeling rejuvenated after eating a chocolate croissant, Kramer opted to make a sign for his next stint of protesting.

Like many of the rally’s demonstrators, Kramer listed a host of issues that had spurred him to participate in his first protest.

“I’m worried about my Social Security. I’m worried about my Medicare. I’m worried about my country,” Kramer said. 

Rochelle Juarez, also a first-time protester, said there were a lot of issues that brought her out to the rally. She felt scared that some of her family members could be deported despite being in the country legally, and she also noted the current administration’s attacks on Medicare, Social Security benefits and democracy. 

“I don’t know what to be mad at,” Juarez said.

Jeanine, a federal worker who requested she only be identified by her first name, said she chose to protest to stand up for herself and her family. 

“My mother’s 92 years old. She needs her Social Security. I have grandkids. … They need their education,” she said. “I’m a federal employee. I’m a veteran.”

Check out some other event highlights