In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion—and often shares it loudly—there are few places more vibrant with fervent dissent than a protest. The latest gathering in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a case in point. During one of the so-called “Hands Off” rallies, throngs of people congregated to voice their displeasure with President Trump’s policies. One has to appreciate the dedication, though it’s somewhat humorous to imagine they think this will unseat a man known for his ability to weather storms on Twitter alone.
The crowd, described as thousands strong, mostly appeared peaceful—perhaps a testament to Minnesota nice. People came equipped with all the accoutrements of a modern-day protest: signs with catchy slogans like “Resist,” plenty of flags, and, presumably, rechargeable battery packs for their phones to capture every moment of resisting. The anger and volume were reportedly palpable, mostly directed at the supposed billionaire takeover of America led by President Trump and Elon Musk. Oh, the horror, when two private citizens seek to run the country, or so the narrative goes.
Not to be outdone by mere citizens, several Democratic members of Congress also joined the event, lending their voices to the cacophony. They pounced on the chance to align with civil rights groups and climate organizations, hoping their message would resonate with voters. One would think it might be easier to resonate with voters back in their own districts, but never underestimate the theatrical display needed to make one feel heard in Washington.
Congressman Jamie Raskin, with a flair for dramatic delivery, attempted to pierce the billionaire mystique with a quip about artificial intelligence lacking human intelligence. It’s a catchy soundbite tailor-made for social media, where retweets serve as digital high-fives for witty remarks. If only governance were as simple as delivering clever zingers with an enthusiastic crowd cheering you on.
Meanwhile, President Trump himself remained far from the fray, safely ensconced at Mar-a-Lago. Whether or not he was aware of the protest is anyone’s guess, but it’s a challenge imagining him too concerned. After all, mastering the art of driving opponents into a tizzy while staying cool has become his signature style. As protests continue to pepper the nation, one can only wonder how many more rallies will take place before meaningful dialogue occurs or if free speech will remain tangled in its own competing narratives.
