Waterbury residents rally against Trump administration’s moves
April 20, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti 
The noon rally began just after some heavy rain showers moved through downtown Waterbury. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Local residents took to Waterbury’s Main Street on Saturday, holding signs and flags and waving to passersby in vehicles to send a message of concern and opposition to the myriad of Trump administration moves since late January to cut federal government services and programs, impose trade tariffs, and most recently to apprehend, jail and deport immigrants without court proceedings.
Called Waterbury Together, the growing group of local individuals are “neighbors supporting each other and our community as the government is thoughtlessly dismantled,” explained one organizer, John Bauer. Aware that many services and government supports are being eliminated, the group is looking for ways to help those who will be impacted by the government cuts. “We come together for mutual support and to support our community,” Bauer said.
Saturday saw a wave of similar demonstrations around the United States organized by multiple organizations including the grassroots group called 50501 (short for 50 states, 50 protests, 1 movement) and the Indivisible organization, formed during the first Trump administration to promote progressive policies and elected leaders.
In Vermont, demonstrations took place in just over a dozen locations including Burlington, Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Brattleboro, Essex Junction and Woodstock.
Members of Waterbury Together plan to meet monthly to share information, support efforts to volunteer with local organizations such as growing food this summer for the Common Market, and to speak out about injustices they see, Bauer said. To learn more, email waterburytogether@gmail.com.
Click to enlarge the photos below.
