Hundreds of Vineyarders packed Five Corners on Saturday afternoon to protest the Trump administration, a gathering that was part of the nationwide Hands Off! protests.
The rallies are fueled by backlash against Trump administration policies and funding cuts, as well as centibillionaire Elon Musk’s role in the federal government. Major news outlets have reported that more than 1,000 Hands Off! rallies across the country pulled together millions of attendees on Saturday, amounting to the largest mass protest since Trump’s second inauguration.
The Vineyard crowd was also one of the largest held on the Island in the Trump era, according to those present.
Organizer Mona Hennessy told The Times that more than 500 people came out on Saturday.
“The idea, of course … is to actually try to make our voices heard in Washington that we are not accepting what’s happening with Musk thinking he runs the country, and with the Trump administration tearing apart … our democracy, taking away from people their rights in so many ways,” Hennessy said amid chants and honks of support from cars.
Taking up all five corners of Vineyard Haven’s main intersection, Islanders held up homemade signs. “Hands off USAID,” “Hands off Social Security,” “Defend Ukraine,” and “Immigrants are persons with rights,” were just a few of the messages, along with a “Know your parasites” sign with photos of a deer tick, dog tick, and a “Lunatic” (President Donald Trump).
Some in attendance on Saturday called for unity. Vineyard Baker Teri Culletto brought a cardboard bagel sign, with real seeds, which read “E Pluribus Unum.” The everything bagel, Culletto told The Times, represents coexistence. “It’s exactly what I feel — that we’re all one,” she said.
Culletto, who has a son in the military, said she’s wary of rising intolerance under the Trump administration.
“[My son] did tell me that some people were taken out of his troop that were openly gay,” she said. “I’m afraid it’s going to be really hard to undo all the damage that’s already been done,” she added.
Other Vineyarders worried about immigrants, and feared that some locally could be deported. “I have a bunch of friends here on the Island who never bothered to get their green cards, and have been here for years, decades. And they’re freaked out,” said Thaw Malin.
Malin said he was inspired to show up by the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father whom the Trump administration sent to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center in March. Despite the administration describing the deportation as a “clerical error,” a federal representative asked the Supreme Court on Monday, April 7, to lift a court order requiring Garcia’s immediate return, Politico reports.
“Hands off our constitutional rights,” read Malin’s sign.
Some Vineyarders climbed up a stepladder outside the Post Office and grabbed a microphone to speak out against the Trump administration, including veteran Steve Maxner, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) member Bangii-Kai Bellecourt, and Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School students.
Bellecourt spoke against cutting federal funds for reservations, and drew attention to indigenous issues, citing the Lakota tribe’s struggles for fresh water and the housing struggles of the Wampanoag tribe on-Island.
“I am scared. I am worried, and I am fearful for what this means for my future and the future of my people,” he said.
Charter School student Zora Morais told the crowd that people need to stand up for human rights.
“Women are forced to have their rapists’ children, immigrants now fear to be swept up by ICE, children are ruthlessly killed, whether by bombs in Gaza or school shootings,” Morais said.
Not all Vineyarders protesting on Saturday did so at Five Corners. Oak Bluffs resident Phil Cordella took a bus filled with Islanders to Boston, where the Boston Herald reported that tens of thousands attended, including Sen. Ed Markey.
Cordella told The Times that it was exciting to see so many people taking action, in what he said was the largest protest he’s attended since the ’70s. “It was very exhilarating,” he said of the three-hour rally and march from Boston Common to City Hall Plaza. “I enjoyed everyone’s impressions as to what is happening to this country.”
One message that struck Cordella was a sign warning of a darker future for young people in the U.S. “One [sign] in particular had to do with a child’s future being trampled on. That sort of hit home, as I have young grandkids,” he said.
According to Hennessy, the rally and bus to Boston were coordinated by Indivisible Martha’s Vineyard, the local chapter of a national network connecting people with pro-democratic groups. She also said that the on-Island rally was coordinated with the Island’s chapter of Show Up for Racial Justice.
Hennessy said the Saturday showing won’t be the last opportunity for Islanders to make themselves heard.
“It’s really just the beginning,” she said. “This isn’t a one-shot deal.”
As a member of SURJ-MV, I can speak for our group in saying that we are grateful to Indivisible MV, who co-sponsored the Apr. 5 rally. We thank all our speakers, Steve, Batya, and especially the youth, Bangii-Kai, Koko, and Zora. And thanks to all of you: little ones to elders who showed up in community and peaceful protest. Deep respect for all who were there in spirit but cannot feel safe enough to join in person. Gratitude also to the Tisbury officers. We came together, now let’s keep going – we can’t do everything, but we can all do something.
At least, while this group was there, they were not out vandalizing Tesla’s. I would love to see people in this group and movement come out strongly opposed to vandalizing in the name of a protest. Unfortunately, I have heard very little.
Mr. Murphy, I believe our actions or rather inaction(not vandalizing) speak for us.
In the communications for a nation-wide call to action https://handsoff2025.com/about :
“A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action.”
Perhaps not what you have in mind, but I’m not sure how you’d like to see “strongly opposed” expressed…
how many people from MV have vandalized tesla’s? what has that got to do with trump’s vandalizing America?
Just a thought Bob, but what Trump and Musk are doing is not Constitutional. It’s not about cutting out the bloat, it is about crashing America, and creating a rich environment for civil war. Most of us know that now, and can only stand back and watch as they destroy America. I really can’t feel sorry for either of them at this point, they have brought the coming backlash on themselves. I do not condone violence, especially against Tesla owners that had no idea, nor the dealerships. As for Musk and Trump, I do hope they are eventually brought to trial and put in jail for a very long time.
Bob– I am totally opposed to the vandalizing of any public or private property. That includes teslas, or any vehicle, police stations, stores, synagogues, mosques, churches and Large Government buildings in Washington D.C in the name of any protest. Am I clear ? Now, about that “Government building” in Washington D.C — Not to bring up the past, or anything, BUT– I really have to say that I didn’t hear much in the line of condemnation when a group of protestors caused $ 30 Million in damage to the Capitol and an estimated $2.7 Billion in associated costs . In fact every one of the vandals , including violent ones’ who assaulted police officers and civilians were pardoned. There is now talk about “reparations” for them. What do you think, Bob ? Would you care to step up for “your side” and strongly condemn any vandalism to places such as abortion clinics, community centers where the LGBTQ community or Muslims or Jews gather ? How about tearing down pride flags ? I would love to see that group and movement that is opposed to such things come out strongly opposed to vandalizing in the name of a protest. Unfortunately, I have heard very little. Here’s your chance . Peace .
Bob-why don’t you start with condemning all of the January 6th protesters who vandalized the capital and attacked police officers. Why don’t you start with the condemnation of the pardon of those convicted of those crimes. Because if you really are against vandalism, you are against vandalism, and you think those that committed vandalism should be punished.
There is no place for violence or destruction.
There is also no place for a president who said he wants to crash the economy which he believes will lead to lower interest rates, and at the same time create a volatile stock market so that billionaires like him who have cash can buy stocks low and sell high and the billionaires get richer.
https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/money/consumers/trump-tells-investors-to-buy-low-this-is-a-great-time-to-get-rich/amp/
And I would love to hear Republicans condemn the actions of January 6th!
Got any evidence to your claim of teslas being vandalized on MV?
well, Bob– It’s been a couple of days since you said you would like to ” see people in this group and movement come out strongly opposed to vandalizing in the name of a protest.” It seems 7 people have. In addition, 8 commenters have asked you and your “group and movement for condemnation of vandalism” by your side. All I hear is crickets—
Peaceful assembly is great.
Children’s Future: if the Democrats continue to spend our children and grandchildren’s future into oblivion then no they will not have any future but work. We, as a nation, are $36,000,000,000,000,000 in DEBT.
Illegal immigrants: If you don’t bother to get a Green Card then you are here illegally. We are a nation of laws: can I rob a bank because I am out of money and when caught say sorry and just give the money back with no recourse to the law abiding citizens or the bank ? NO ! There are consequences to lawlessness and it’s starts with obeying ALL the laws EVERYWHERE….Tell Laken Riley’s Family it’s okay to murder their daughter !!
Donald Trump added $6.7 trillion to the national debt during his first four years, compared to Obama’s $8.6 trillion over eight years. Ronald Reagan increased the debt by 186% — Joe Biden will likely surpass this when the final math is tallied (and rural counties will still not have broadband).
Both parties are equally successful at spending money we don’t have and in perpetuating sketchy economic health behaviors.
Both parties lie about their budget shenanigans. The GOP lies about the consequences of giving tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations — and never admit they are purposefully shifting the burden of the debt & deficit on to the middle-class and working poor. The Dems lie about their proposed “programs” being “fully funded”. They never are — additional funding to maintain these programs into the future will always be necessary.
Demand a Balanced Budget. NO to raising the debt ceiling.
Kevin, we can save about 2 Trillion per year if the US stopped using fossil fuels and converted to solar and wind power.
The debt would vanish in a few years.
Kevin– you bring up the deficit and of course blame it on the democrats. But that is likely because you just want to believe that. So let me tell you about the deficits. I think the most honest way to approach who is responsible is to look at presidents and what percentage the deficit increased during their terms. Let me start with Kennedy and go to Biben. Reagan tops the list adding 186 % to the deficit — an average of over 23 % annually followed by the Bushes at 13.25 % Annually The Kennedy /Johnson years saw the lowest rate of increase at 2.68 % per year followed by Clinton at 3.95% annually. trump increased the deficit by 10 % annually, Biden 5.8 % annually . In fact, over 32 years of democrats and 32 years of republicans since 1960, Democratic presidents have cumulatively raised the debt by 198% while republicans raised it by 467% . Again, in a slightly different way, Democrats on average raise the debt by 5.9% per year , republicans on average raise the debt by 14.6% . Just letting you know, since you seem to care. https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/banking/national-debt-by-president/. Laken riley was tragic. Over 21,000 people were murdered that year — all tragic.
Hi ! About this trump protest l would like to say my Opinion on it. I’m a Brazilian man whole lived on my for 6 years.l did my job at Extramart gas station.So in 2001 l was there and on this island had some criminal people from my country maybe others too.So on this cause Trump are doing Right to protect USA citizens. Many people were crossing the mexico border since year 2000 maybe before l just can say for the years l was on island MV. But it not my business too if people were right or Wrong.It’s a politicians trouble Right or wrong Biden didn’t care for the USA security border.So Donald Trump are doing the job and doing good. Those people are using to be pawns on the hands of Left. Open your Eyes Good Vineyard’s People.GOD bless you and my Friend Joe from MV.
Bob Murphy – the Tesla vandalisms here and in other countries were not an organized leftist group of protestors. The vandalisms were caused by individuals. However there is a group called Tesla Takedown which is a non-violent group opposing Musk. Google it.
The vandalism is not acceptable, just as the January 6th vandalism of the White House causing physical and bodily injury along with death threats was not acceptable … and that was a MAGA organized group. Let’s hear more about that from the MAGA deniers.
Ginny, I think you were referring to the damage insurrectionists coreated. Police officers assaulted and one killed, the vandalism to Congress people’s offices and the House and Senate chambers, and exterior and interior hallways and rooms, weren’t you?l The insurrectionists were all pardoned or commuted by 47.
Violence and damage to any people or property are intolerable.
Criminal behavior.cant be tolerated by any decent, law abiding citizen.
Hopefully for Tesla damages the miscreants will be identified, and the adjudication process will prevail.? I am not so hopeful miscreants in the. Executive Branch will be prosecuted.
,
I have heard very little from Mr. Murphy and his movement coming out strongly opposed to vandalizing as well. How about starting with the group at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021?
Teslas are the least of the very concerning issues right now
I was very glad to see that Islanders supported the protests against injustice. Hopefully the movement will continue and even grow. Voices need to be heard. This administration must realize that the people oppose the dismantling of our democracy. Power to the people!
It’s too late. Civil unrest, violent protests, burning Teslas, and a failed economy are all part of the plan. How else can Martial Law be declared? Time to stop blaming the other team. We’ve all lost the best thing we’ve ever had and we did it willingly.
Scott, you’re right. What about the spectacle planned for June 14? A massive military parade that mimics Tiananmen Square.
And an office decorated like a Russian Czar. The US is an embarrassment.
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