Thousands protest Trump administration in Montpelier
April 5, 2025 | By Waterbury RoundaboutAround the nation and across Vermont, Americans took to their main streets, town squares, statehouses and city halls on Saturday to peacefully demonstrate in opposition to the myriad of actions by the Trump administration since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20.
The crowd fills the Vermont State House lawn for Saturday’s demonstration. Photo by Gordon Miller
According to news reports around the state, approximately two dozen protests were held in Vermont on a rainy Saturday afternoon from the Northeast Kingdom to Bennington, including Montpelier, Burlington and Vergennes.
In Montpelier, the police department estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 people gathered for a rally on the Vermont State House lawn and march through the capital. Signs decried fascism and oligarchy and called for protecting individual rights, Social Security and democracy.
Some covered signs in plastic to protect them from the rain. Photo by Gordon Miller
Speakers addressing the crowd from the State House steps included former Vermont Gov. Madeleine Kunin who also served as the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland and deputy U.S. Secretary of Education. Current office-holders included U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., Republican Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark and state Treasurer Mike Pieciak, both Democrats, and state Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, the Senate Democratic majority leader. The Onion River Chorus sang — and the crowd joined — the Canadian national anthem, “Oh, Canada,” to introduce Montreal Gazette newspaper columnist Josh Freed. Others at the microphone included professors, writers and advocates.
The Vermont demonstrations were organized by the recently formed grassroots 50501Vt political network. The “Hands Off! 2025” protests nationwide were assembled by a coalition of organizations including the Indivisible movement.
Madeleine Kunin, who served as Vermont’s only woman governor, speaks at the rally. Photo by Gordon Miller
The Montpelier Police Department prepared for the massive gathering by closing State Street to vehicle traffic. Afterward in a social media post, the department thanked local residents and motorists for their “understanding and patience” as the city accommodated the large crowd. Capitol Police, the city Public Works Department and Vermont State Security assisted with traffic control and public safety for the afternoon, according to police. “Thank you to all involved for your cooperation in making this a peaceful gathering,” the department’s message said.
Noting that the State House property generally accommodates about 5,000 people, Montpelier Police Chief Eric Nordenson in an email to the Waterbury Roundabout said his staff pegged the crowd size between 5,000 and 6,000 people.
The images below were captured by Waterbury Roundabout photographer Gordon Miller with his camera and drone. Rob Hofmann of Waterbury shared shots from the afternoon as well.
The view from the State House steps. Photo by Gordon Miller
Click images below to enlarge.
More signs and scenes
Photos by Rob Hofmann
