Hundreds join rainy Belleville public square protest against Trump
More than 300 people filled Belleville’s Public Square on Saturday in protest against the Trump administration.
People local to Belleville, Swansea, Columbia and Waterloo joined others as far as Carbondale and Peoria in the pouring rain and thunder. They joined others across the country in a National Day of Action.
The Belleville protest began at noon and ended around 2 p.m., with a few stragglers remaining as the crowd dissipated.
“People coming out here in this insane weather shows that people are fed up,” said Barbara Brumfield, President of Southwestern Illinois Democratic Women, who organized Saturday’s event. “Just look at the people who showed up.”
Protestors ranged as young as children to those in their late 80s.
Tops among their concerns were feared cuts to Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. Concerns about immigration and environmental policies also were voiced.
“We can’t just sit around and do nothing,” said Diane Giedeman of Belleville. “This is the only way to have our voice heard.”
It was the first protest Giedeman, 79, has ever attended.
A significant theme among many demonstrators was the perceived lack of transparency from Republican Congressman Mike Bost who, along with other Republicans, has backed away from holding town halls and meetings with his constituents.
“They’re scared,” Brenda Thomas, a co-organizer for the event, said of Republican officials.
“They know people are unhappy but they don’t want to choose between making them and Trump upset so they choose the one they serve.”
Many motorists circling the square honked their horns and waved at the cheering crowd. Few hecklers made an appearance, save for one who flipped off the crowd and another who yelled “get a job” as he passed the crowd heading west on Main Street.
Southwestern Illinois Democratic Women have been organizing protests for years, but have rarely had a turnout as big as Saturday’s event, Brumfield said.
“I think this is the biggest turnout we’ve ever had,” said Brumfield. “Usually we only get around 100. We had more than that on (the eastern) side of (Main) street.”
Brumfield, who is a retired teacher, said Southwestern Illinois Democratic Women organized the event, but the nonprofit group is entirely volunteer based.
“I keep hearing politicians say we’re just paid agitators. If that’s the case, then where the heck is my check?” she said.
This story was originally published April 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM.