Demonstrators protest Trump administration at Georgia Capitol on Presidents’ Day

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - On Presidents’ Day, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol building to protest President Donald Trump and his administration.

“I’m going to fight with everything in me to make sure that we continue to live in a democracy,” Julie Milner, a protestor, said.

Since Jan. 20, the Trump administration has begun mass deportations of undocumented migrants, signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports and terminated DEI “preferencing” within the federal government.

While many Americans agree with these policies, others fear them.

“I don’t feel like they’re actually looking to improve anything. They’re just looking to take over and gain power and bleed us dry financially,” Lauren Rutledge, another protestor, said.

Demonstrators also popped up at a Tesla dealership in DeKalb County Monday, protesting CEO Elon Musk’s recent involvement in the U.S. government. Trump appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is aimed at reducing federal spending.

Over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance addressed opposition to the Trump administration’s policies during a conference in Munich.

“Under Donald Trump’s leadership, we may disagree with your views. But we will fight to defend your right to offer them in the public square, agree or disagree,” Vance said.

That’s why protestors like Barbara Collins took time to make their voices heard.

“Silence gets you nowhere. You have to stand up. And if you don’t stand up then you deserve what you get,” Collins said.