For the third consecutive weekend, thousands of protesters packed into the Loop to demonstrate against the agenda, policies and issues supported by President Donald Trump.
Following protests calling for Trump to release his income tax returns and what activists call his attacks on science and facts, people braved a near-constant rainfall and chill in Federal Plaza on Saturday to decry the ecological policies of Trump’s administration, which coincided with Trump’s 100th day in office. Those policies include proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, which organizers and speakers said would jeopardize clean air and water for millions of Americans.
Though the rally and march focused on climate change, protesters used the gathering to attack what they called Trump’s rollback of rights and protections affecting health care, racial and ethnic minorities, women and the LGBTQ communities.
The march was one of at least 370 climate-related events taking place in cities across the U.S., according to organizers.
In his budget proposal released last month, Trump suggested $2.6 billion in spending and job cuts at the EPA, as well as the dismantling of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which cleans up toxic messes, restores fish to specified areas and combats invasive species.
“And then they have the gall to say they’re going to guarantee us clean air and clean water,” John O’Grady, a speaker, told the crowd. “I say baloney!” he said to hoots and catcalls.
Carrying homemade signs and placards, activists and union members huddled together in the plaza, listening to speakers in the rain before marching north to the riverwalk just across the river from Trump Tower, which has served as an unofficial gathering point for anti-Trump protests. The crowd swelled to more than 2,000 as marchers streamed north down the middle of State Street, chanting and waving to shoppers.
City officials could not immediately provide a crowd estimate. Chicago police ushered the peaceful protesters through downtown as onlookers gathered to snap cellphone pictures and video.
Organizers and speakers called on demonstrators and spectators to push members of Congress away from Trump’s environmental policies, while also poking fun at his so-called lack of accomplishments during his first 100 days as president. Many political observers call a president’s first 100 days the time when they wield their strongest influence, though others dismiss the importance of the milestone, saying changes to how Congress works have made the benchmark overstated.
While many of the participants were connected to activist and union organizations, Evanston resident Jill Franklin — who said she wasn’t affiliated with any groups — said she attended the rally because of deep concerns she’s had about Trump and environmental moves since he took office.
Pacing in the rainy Federal Plaza, Franklin held high her cardboard-backed sign reading “Planet Before Profit,” calling the president’s support of fossil fuels over newer fuel sources “misguided.”
“There’s no reason we can’t make jobs and save the Earth at the same time,” she said, standing on the wet granite tile on Dearborn Street. She added that she was heartened by the big turnout for climate change, even if Saturday’s climate wasn’t exactly cooperating with protesters.
“People in Illinois and the Chicago area are serious about standing up for our planet, our health, our animals, our ecosystems, and a little rain isn’t going to stop us from voicing our concerns.”
Twitter @MidNoirCowboy
