Protestors in the Villages invoked the memory of famed civil rights icon John Lewis during a demonstration Thursday aimed at the policies of President Trump.
Hundreds of protestors lined Morse Boulevard near the entrance to Lake Sumter Landing as part of a nationwide protest of actions by the Trump administration. The theme of the protestors’ gathering was inspired by Lewis, who during his lifetime stressed the importance of engaging in “good trouble, necessary trouble” to effect positive change.
Protestors displayed signs regarding Trump’s cuts to the social safety programs such as Medicaid and food stamps, treatment of immigrants and use of federal troops against U.S. citizens.
The event was organized by The Villages Democratic Club. Bill Knudson, the club’s president had handed out more than 150 signs by 10:30 a.m. and noted that many people had made their own signs. While the demonstration was much smaller than last month’s “No Kings” nationwide protests, Knudson was pleased with the enthusiasm participants showed.
George Hilton who lives in the Village of Bridgeport of Lake Sumter displayed a sign urging the release of the Epstein files.
He said he was pleased with the turnout and noted the crowd has grown larger after his arrival.
Villager Sandra Dupree has among those in the crowd.
“Those who voted for Trump in November to own the libs will find themselves owned after the passage of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill,” Dupree said.
She predicted Social Security will be next on the chopping block.