Thousands of Chicago protesters condemn Trump and his visit to Chicago

Chicago River, Fall 2019, General Interest, Politics/National Security, Social Justice

Thousands of Chicago protesters condemn Trump and his visit to Chicago

October 29, 2019

By Anne Snabes

Medill Reports

Thousands of Chicago area protesters chanted calls and held up signs bearing phrases such as “Dump Trump” during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Windy City on Monday.

Trump spoke at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference and then attended a lunch fundraiser at Trump International Hotel and Tower. Chicago Police Chief Eddie Johnson boycotted the speech and Trump belittled his absence.

The cheapest tickets to attend the political lunch cost $2,800. The most expensive, for a roundtable sit-down with the President, cost $100,000, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The Tribune reported that about 3,000 to 6,000 people participated in the protest on Wacker Drive. The protesters eventually wound through the Loop and back to their Wacker Drive location across from Trump Tower.

“I will never put the needs of illegal criminals before I put the needs of law-abiding citizens,” he said. Trump promised the police chiefs that he would be “their greatest and most loyal champion.”

Click on any image for a slideshow of the protest photos.

ladywithbell — Saundra Mertz, right, and Selima Hargadon, center, participate in the protest in downtown Chicago. “Trump has committed crimes against America, against women, and against humanity,” said Mertz, a resident of Evanston. (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

protestwideshot1 — Hundreds of protestors gathered Tuesday on Wacker Drive between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave. They lifted signs and banners criticizing Trump and sang chants. (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

protestsigns — Various signs called for the impeachment or prosecution of Trump. The House of Representatives is currently conducting an impeachment inquiry on the President. (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

quidproquosign — Some are claiming that Trump carried out a “quid pro quo,” while the President says he did not.Trump allegedly asked the President of Ukraine to look into his political opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden. (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

nightmare — “He just has to leave office,” said Mary Kay McCaw, center, of Chicago. “He’s destroying the credibility of the presidency and our credibility around the world.” (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

protestwideshot2 — Protestors joined in chants such as “Stand up! Fight back!” (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

youngpeople — Young protesters sang, “Ain’t no power like the power of the people, ‘cause the power of the people won’t stop, say what.” (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

ladywithsign — Debbie Kerwin of Chicago – among the sign beaers in the protest. (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

endofprotest — Diane Thodos, left, Julia Brazas, center, and Frank Brazas, right, stand across the Chicago River from Trump International Hotel and Tower. “I’m completely outraged by his lawless behaviors,” Julia Brazas said, “and I’m sickened by this person who is the leader of this country and the damage that he’s done to the United States across the globe, in terms of our relationships with other countries and how other citizens of the world see us.” (Anne Snabes/MEDILL)

Photo at top: Kristine Herbst, center, a resident of Riverside, Illinois, came to the protest because she thought it was important to “show strength in numbers.”