• A President’s Day protest at the Kansas Statehouse criticized actions by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
• Protesters expressed concerns about threats to democracy, including attacks on government institutions and the rights of marginalized groups.
• The protest aimed to raise awareness and encourage action against perceived threats to American democracy.

A President’s Day protest at the Kansas Statehouse took issue with President Donald Trump and government efficiency leader Elon Musk’s actions in the federal government.

Christie Peterson, who lives in Oskaloosa and has owned a business in Lawrence, said the rally was part of nationwide protests. She encouraged people to “really pay attention to what is going on.”

“We want the president to follow the law,” Peterson said. “We want the Constitution to be upheld. We want there to be three co-equal branches of government, as our Constitution says.

“So am I anti-Trump, anti-Musk? Sure. But if they were doing everything legally and the way it’s been done since the beginning of our country, then I would still hate the policies, but it wouldn’t be threatening our democracy. What’s happening now is threatening our democracy, and we’re in real danger of losing all of our freedoms that we’re so used to thinking of in America.”

Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, D-Topeka and a local pastor, told rallygoers that he is a naturalized citizen.

“I was naturalized 50 years ago,” he said. “My grandparents were part of the resistance in Nazi Germany. We came to this country because we were looking for a better place for the future, and I can’t believe that 50 years later I am seeing what I’m seeing here today. But I would be betraying my grandparents if I were not opposed to what’s happening at this particular moment, and I encourage all of you to keep doing what you’re doing.

“This is the greatest assault on American democracy this country has ever seen. It’s happening brazenly. The leadership is rolling over and letting it happen, both on the national and the state level. The people need to rise up now and peacefully be heard.”

He said “oligarchy tendencies” need to be reversed, and there is a “heist on our rights” and government benefits.

Protesters spoke and carried signs opposing Trump, Musk, Project 2025, billionaires and fascism while supporting democracy, civil service employees of the federal government, immigrants, LGBTQ rights and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Mioshia Wagoner, an alum and employee of Haskell, spoke of federal employees losing their jobs, despite treaty obligations.

“I love all of you for being here for us to be able to stand here and say, ‘Hey, this is not right,’” she said. “This is not who we are as a community. We’re supposed to take care of each other, not bring each other down.”

Peterson said she is “horrified about Haskell losing 30% of their staff.”

“Unfortunately, our our country is going toward fascism,” said Christy Desti, a protester from Prairie Village. “Germany’s warning us; everyone’s warning us. Nazis are bad. It’s a scary time. I never thought I’d see anything like this. It happens slow. It’s under our nose, but it’s clear. It’s happening, and we have to gather, we have to do something. We have so much at stake for everyone. I’ve never even been political in my life, but we don’t have a choice.

She teared up as she said she is scared and disheartened.

“A lot of people are scared about what’s happening, and people feel helpless,” Desti said. “So I don’t know that this is the most effective thing, but it’s the thing I’m going to do, because it feels better than doing nothing.”

What Kansas politicians said about President’s Day

As protesters marched outside the Statehouse, several Kansas politicians made social media posts about President’s Day.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, posted: “On Presidents’ Day, we recognize the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s presidents. Kansas’ own President Eisenhower left a lasting legacy on Kansas and the nation serving as both President of the United States and the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, posted: “Happy Presidents’ Day! I’m grateful for the remarkable presidents who have gone before us — including Kansas’ own President Eisenhower — and President Trump. Strong leadership matters.”

U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kansas, posted: “Wishing you a Happy Presidents’ Day! (And happy birthday to you, George Washington!)”

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, posted: “I’ve always said I’ll work with any administration when it benefits Kansas. But I’ll also stand strong against extreme policies that threaten our state’s future. That’s my promise to you this #PresidentsDay — putting Kansas first, always.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly: “This Presidents’ Day, we reflect on the past and present leaders who have shaped the United States. Let’s continue to work together and strive for the greater good of Kansas and our nation.”

Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab: “It’s on days like #PresidentsDay2025 when you realize how young of a country America is — and we’re only forty-seven presidents in. America has a bright future ahead with @POTUS. Happy Presidents’ Day.”

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, posted: “Today we honor our past presidents and their service to America, the greatest country on earth. Happy Presidents’ Day!”

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, posted: “Today, we honor the leaders who have shaped the greatest nation on earth, from its founding to the present. Happy President’s Day!”

Evert Nelson of The Capital-Journal contributed reporting.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.