Hundreds rally in New Paltz to protest inauguration

Posted 1/22/25

Braving the cold and snow, approximately 100 people gathered at Peace Park in New Paltz on Inauguration Day to rally and march through downtown in protest of President Donald Trump’s policies. …

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Hundreds rally in New Paltz to protest inauguration

Posted

Braving the cold and snow, approximately 100 people gathered at Peace Park in New Paltz on Inauguration Day to rally and march through downtown in protest of President Donald Trump’s policies. Participants chanted slogans such as “No genocide! No KKK! No fascist USA!” and “Free, free Palestine!” as they walked, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.

The rally drew attendees from across the Hudson Valley who called for unity against what they described as fascism, hate, and capitalist greed. Organizers pledged to continue resisting Trump’s agenda and policies they believe promote militarization, white nationalist hate, and corporate interests over human rights.

“Trump is a billionaire, was elected with the help of other billionaires, and runs the government on behalf of the billionaire class,” said Sierra Smart, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Hudson Valley.

Speakers from groups such as Women in Black, Jewish Voice for Peace Hudson Valley, PSL Albany/Hudson Valley, Rally Middletown, Middle East Crisis Response, and Kingston ENJAN (End the New Jim Crow Action Network) addressed the crowd. They warned of what they see as threats to immigrants, LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, healthcare, education, and the environment under Trump’s leadership.

Protesters also expressed solidarity with global movements for justice, including calls to end the war machine and support for Palestinian rights. The rally served as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to justice and equality, organizers said.

“We will not stand for Trump’s agenda, and we will not back down,” one speaker declared, energizing the crowd before the march continued through the snowy streets of New Paltz.