More than 150 demonstrators chanted and held signs outside the Maine State House on Feb. 5, 2025 condemning the actions of the Trump administration, including the elevation of unelected billionaire Elon Musk. (Photo by AnnMarie Hilton/Maine Morning Star)
Demonstrators stood in the frigid cold outside the Maine State House on Wednesday in protest of the Trump administration and the involvement of unelected billionaire Elon Musk in federal policy.
There were dozens of signs with messages such as “Dump Trump” and “Stop Elon’s coup” that filled the space between the State House and the Cross Building as 150 to 200 protestors chanted about protecting the U.S. Constitution, saving education — a nod to President Donald Trump’s efforts to disband the Department of Education — and stopping the rise of fascism.
The protest coincided with a national day of action against Trump, condemning the administration’s moves during his first few weeks in office. The Kennebec County Democratic Committee had initially helped promote the local rally but in a Facebook post Tuesday said it had pulled its permits with Capitol Police after the event was “infiltrated by bad actors.”
However, people like Louis Sigel of Gardiner still decided to show up because he said they shouldn’t be intimidated by people looking to upend the protest. Sigel, who was wearing an ACLU shirt and holding a sign that said “Move the embassy back to Tel Aviv,” said he contacted other progressives he knew and told them to come, regardless of the change.
Members of Maine’s congressional delegation have also spoken up in recent days about the authority granted to Tesla CEO Musk, who shuttered USAID, obtained access to confidential financial information, and is overhauling the federal workforce. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree said those actions seem “blatantly illegal,” while Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins expressed concern about Musk circumventing congressional authority. However, Maine Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart of Aroostook defended Musk, saying his advisory role is common in state and federal government.
