On Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, over 300 people gathered to protest outside of Bellingham’s Federal Building.
Similar Presidents Day protests were held at government buildings across the country, organized over social media through groups like the 50501 Movement. Many online posts advertised “No Kings Day” protests.
In Bellingham, hundreds of people clustered on the sidewalk at the intersection of Magnolia Street and Cornwall Avenue. Passing cars that honked in support were met with cheers.
Speakers on bullhorns called for people in the crowd to call their senators and congressional representatives.
Periodically, call-and-response chants would move through the crowd, including “This is what democracy looks like,” “Trans rights are human rights” and “Free, free Palestine.”
Much of the crowd’s disapproval was directed at Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Jackie Scott, a wildland firefighter stationed in Concrete, Washington, had a sign slung over her backpack reading, “USAID Saves Lives.” A smaller sign beneath it directed profanities at Musk.
Scott came to protest alongside a crew of other U.S. Forest Service firefighters in support of federal workers. Nearby, another group held a sign that said, “Federal Workers Make Our Country Work.”
The protests came in the wake of President Trump’s many executive orders, which include the orders “Reevaluating And Realigning United States Foreign Aid” and “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government.”
Jamie Lewis, a 62-year-old attendee, expressed frustration at Musk’s use of wealth and power.
“If you kill three people, they call you a serial killer — but if you have half a trillion dollars, and you watch millions of people starve, they put you in charge of the government,” said Lewis.
Steven Colson (they/them), a Front reporter, contributed reporting to this story. You can reach them at stevencolson.thefront@gmail.com.
Oren Roberts (they/them) is the opinions editor for The Front this fall. Previously, they wrote for The Front as a City News reporter. They are a senior studying news/editorial journalism. When not writing or editing, they enjoy brewing kombucha, taking long walks and photographing the beauty of Bellingham. You can reach them at westernfront.opeditor@gmail.com
