Central Kentuckians join in nationwide protests
About 100 gather at Lexington courthouse
By Denis House
dhouserichmondindepth@gmail.com
LEXINGTON—Craig Blair has lived in Central Kentucky for 43 years and has owned a business for 30 of those.
On Monday, Blair was one of several citizens who gathered as part of a nationwide Presidents Day protest in downtown Lexington to voice their opinions on the state of the nation. The crowd varied in age from a toddler to those in their 70s.
Several held signs that read “Elon Musk is a terrible president,” “Defund DOGE,” “Defund Oligarchs,” and “Stop the Coup.”
“I just don’t like the direction the country is going,” Blair said. “Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, we all kinda want the same things. We don’t want Russia or China in charge.”
The protestors gathered outside the Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse before moving to East Main Street, where scores of motorists honked their approval as the group waved their signs.
This demonstration was part of a much larger coordinated effort by the 50501 Movement, which stands for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.” Protests were held in several major cities across the United States, similar to the ones held on Feb. 5. This one was dubbed “No Kings on Presidents Day,” to denounce President Donald Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk.
In Boston, almost 1,000 people turned out to protest in frigid temperatures and snow, while hundreds protested in downtown Orlando.
In a statement published on its website, the group said, "We refuse to accept that money should hold the power to undermine the fundamental rights we cherish as Americans. We witness, with growing alarm, how our constitutional rights are trampled upon, how the authority of the President is being usurped by those who seek to consolidate power for personal gain. Meanwhile, President Trump systematically dismantles the very guardrails designed to ensure accountability across the branches of government."
Blair said the message he hopes to get across is kindness.
“Just be good to people,” he said.