Protesters carrying signs are walking along Evansville’s riverfront pedestrian path chanting "This is what democracy looks like.”
Bri Garcia of grassroots organization Evansville Resistance is on the megaphone.
They’re joining a national day of protest coordinated by the 50501 Movement. They are opposing the DOGE organization and potential executive overreach of President Donald Trump.
Demonstrators say they want accountability and transparency for the administration that has said it could possibly cut up to $2 trillion in federal spending by the time DOGE sunsets next year.
“On Presidents Day, we're celebrating presidents, not kings,” Tammy Dexter said. “And right now it feels like we have someone who wants to be a king, not a president, for all of the people.”
She’s holding a sign that reads “No Kings in a Democracy.” Other signs include “Deport President Musk,” “Stop Fascism” and “Love thy neighbor.”
A big concern of these protesters is that unchecked executive power could lead to fascism.
Aaron Pruitt feels that both Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have circumvented checks and balances through executive orders, and are out of touch with average Americans.
“It's absurd to think that a man who's lived his entire life in an ivory tower can even begin to fathom the struggles of the average person in this country,” Pruitt said, referring to Trump.
Organizer Kristina Bickle said she believes in the Constitution and the vision of the U.S. Founding Fathers. Bickle said they initially wanted to link up with the larger protest happening in Indianapolis but found it was too difficult logistically.
And plus, Evansville is different from Indy.
“We can organize here — and the culture down here is a lot different,” Bickel said. “There's a lot more blue voters up there. They have a lot more support. As you I don't know if you saw yet, but the Indy protest was massive, massive, today.”
Still, she was happy with the turnout in Evansville.
So far 14 states are suing to block actions by DOGE. The organization has pledged to disband by July fourth 2026, and could cut at least $1 trillion from federal spending.
So far, some cuts have been stopped by federal judges while others have been allowed to take effect.
Such cuts include $900 million from the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences.
Hundreds of federal employees have been fired in various departments like the CDC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Tammy Dexter would like to see tackling government waste handled differently.
“Not some tech-bro billionaires,” she said. “We don't know who these people are. They shouldn't have access to our personal information or anything else. Accountants do audits.”
Sue Rolley of Evansville said she’s marching because she believes in democracy and equal rights for all people.
“I'm a lifelong public educator, supporter of public education, and I just feel like all the rights of marginalized people are very much in danger.”
After the march, the demonstration settled at the Four Freedoms Monument for speakers, mingling and a little singing.
Support independent journalism today. You rely on WNIN to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Give to grow our local reporting today. Donate
