President Donald Trump commenced his second term by attacking institutions that provide Americans with stability, including free speech, voting rights, and health research.
Every day brought a fresh story of Trump and his cost-cutting partner Elon Musk dismantling services that citizens previously took for granted.
However, in Portland, the lack of protests against Trump and Musk became equally unsettling.
For three months, protests were rare and attendance was sparse.
By November, many residents felt a sense of relief: no riots!
Yet, as the ambition of Trump’s agenda came into sharper focus this winter, the empty streets began to feel like an emblem of defeat.
Did the civic trauma from the chaotic year of 2020—replete with gas masks, militarized police, and anarchist vandalism—break the spirit of the city, famously dubbed Little Beirut?
Even those of us who usually consider our activism as merely donating annually felt a sense of loss.
The thought that Portlanders had simply given in to a president who had once deployed federal agents to detain dissenters was too disheartening to consider.
That’s why for many, the sight of thousands crossing highway bridges with picket signs on April 5 was a huge relief.
If nothing else, the widespread turnout for the “Hands Off Our Democracy” rally at Tom McCall Waterfront Park demonstrated that many are not alone in their fears about the current state of the nation.
He can’t possibly deport us all, right?
Moreover, the energy from that rally didn’t just emerge spontaneously; it has persisted.
On most afternoons, gatherings of people can be found in Portland, bearing handwritten signs and expressing their opposition to Trump and Musk.
Most frequently, these groups assemble near Tesla sales offices.
Sometimes only a couple of dozen people show up, but at other times, the numbers swell to over 100.
Unlike the youthful protests that dominated the streets following George Floyd’s murder, the demographic of these gatherings tends to be much older.
The atmosphere is generally more subdued, focusing on peaceful solidarity rather than revolutionary fervor.
“We’re here to call attention to what’s going on,” said Carolanne Fry, an organizer with Outer East Portland Indivisible.
“We want to show people they’re not alone if they’re upset about the fascist takeover occurring in our government right now.”
Most of these protests, much like the waterfront rally, are organized under the Indivisible Project.
This Washington, D.C.-based political advocacy nonprofit has strong ties to the progressive donor base and reported having $5.6 million in assets at the end of the 2023 fiscal year.
Outer East Portland Indivisible received a $1,000 GROW Grant from the national organization to fund materials like bullhorns and banners, stating that most of its resources come from local donations.
However, the messages penned on their poster boards—along with the honks from passing cars—hint at a collective sentiment akin to what Richard Nixon once referred to as the silent majority.
Following the major march on April 5, WW dispatched photographers to capture images of a week’s worth of smaller protests occurring throughout the metro area.
We spoke to both organizers and participants, asking what motivated them to speak out and take action.
In the subsequent pages, we present these voices—and hope they inspire courage.
The events began on Saturday, April 5, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
“I was born when Roe v. Wade happened, so I grew up a little spoiled regarding my rights.
I have a daughter, and I refuse to let her rights be taken away.
I will fight for her,” claimed Andrea Hill.
“What happened to our elected officials?
They need to show up and fight alongside us, just as we are right now.
They can’t let this happen,” remarked Tim Mongin.
On Monday, April 7, a protest occurred at the Tesla dealership on South Macadam Avenue, where attendees expressed their concerns regarding the current political climate.
“I believe we are in a slow-moving coup.
We’re here to defend democracy against this tyrannical administration and safeguard our civil liberties,” shared Emily and Joel.
Another protest took place on Thursday, April 10, at the Tesla dealership located on Southwest Cascade Avenue in Tigard.
“If we don’t have our democracy, we have nothing.
It’s time to show up,” declared Mary Minor.
“The billionaires who are trying to take over aren’t elected or confirmed by the Senate, and they have no right to do what they’re doing.
It has to stop,” voiced Ginny.
On Friday, April 11, protestors gathered on the Southeast Market Street Bridge over Interstate 205.
“We all live in this neighborhood, and we are here to shed light on the overreach of the oligarchs and billionaires currently running the government,” stated Jen.
The following day, another protest occurred at Southeast Foster Road and 92nd Avenue.
“I’m protesting the theft of our democracy and the breakdown of the rule of law by the Trump-Musk administration, which seems to be breaking laws and engaging in illegal activities,” expressed Jeffrey Stookey.
As the protests continue, Portlanders are determined to make their voices heard against the changes they fear are taking place in their government.
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/04/15/one-week-among-the-daily-portland-protests-of-trump/
