Donald Trump came to Chicago today, ostensibly to address an international gathering of police chiefs, but apparently actually to attack Chicago and especially Chicago superintendent of police Eddie Johnson, who declined to attend. While in town, Trump also attended a high-dollar fundraiser, co-hosted by by National Finance Chairman Todd Ricketts, part-owner of the Chicago Cubs.
Despite owning a rather large building with his name on it in Chicago, Trump hadn’t been here since starting his presidency. In fact, during the 2016 campaign Trump attempted to hold a rally in Chicago but cancelled due to organized protests.
Suffice it to say, Chicago DOES NOT like Trump. At all. And in Chicago, a city with a long history of civil disobedience, protesting has become a way of life. The first Women’s March in Chicago in 2017 drew 250,000 people, more than the main march in DC, which drew around 200,000 people, and Chicago hasn’t stopped marching and protesting since then.
Chicago is especially well designed for protests, with an extensive public transportation system, lots of city parks, and open public squares near all of the major city, state, and federal buildings.
Chicago is also in the midst of a lengthy teachers’ strike, with school cancelled for the eighth day today, so Chicagoans are in a feisty mood.
I was out of town, at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Strategy Session in DC and then Politicon in Nashville (another post altogether) and just returned at midnight last night/this morning. Since I had missed several days of work last week, I couldn’t attend the protests today, but seeing the photos and videos from my friends cheered me immensely!
Indivisible Chicago and other grassroots groups that at this point have protesting down to a science, started planning as soon as Trump’s visit was first announced and were sharing up-to-the-minute information about the protest on social media.
And show up and be loud they did, in great force.
Although the protest was originally planned as a stationary demonstration in front of Trump Tower, in turned into a march.
Trump did not emerge to face the protesters but instead left by secret tunnel.
It’s not just the protesters who didn’t want Trump in Chicago. Even the mayor and governor had some choice words for Trump.
Trump has left Chicago, but Chicago isn’t done telling him not to come back.
Thanks for including my tweets!