Nearly 750 people gathered outside the Albemarle County Office Building Monday evening for a protest organized by Indivisible Charlottesville — a local chapter of “Indivisible,” a national organization that seeks to promote civic engagement and democracy against the Trump administration. The demonstration coincided with nationwide Presidents Day protests against Trump’s policies and recent executive orders that reduced federal funding and cut programs.
The protest, which ran from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., drew participants from Charlottesville and surrounding areas. Indivisible Charlottesville organized the event to encourage civic action against what it called an "unconstitutional power grab."
Dan Doernberg, a facilitator for Indivisible Charlottesville, said the organization has around 4,000 members and operates through various working groups, including those focused on voting rights, environmental advocacy and government accountability. Monday’s protest was led by their “Defending Civic Institutions” workgroup. The workgroup proposed the event during a Zoom meeting Feb. 13 that included around 35 participants.
Doernberg said the protest aimed to inspire action and was part of the group’s broader efforts. During Trump’s first term, the group organized demonstrations against Rep. Tom Garrett, who represented Virginia’s 5th Congressional District and advocated for socially conservative policies.
“Indivisible gives people an opportunity to plug in [and] take concrete actions,” Doernberg said. “They were very helpful during the first Trump administration for mobilizing people.”
Protestors carried signs critical of the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative backed by Trump that has reduced federal spending and cut programs through executive orders. Some held signs like “Resist Musk,” referencing Elon Musk’s leadership in DOGE. While Musk does not hold an official government position, he has played an advisory role in cutting federal agencies. Critics, including those at the rally, protested Musk’s involvement and his reported undue power over decision-making.
Protestors chanted “Trump must go,” throughout the protest. Signs reading “No King” were also held, echoing nationwide President’s Day demonstrations that call Trump a tyrant.
Laura Lee Gulledge, Charlottesville resident and protestor, waved a large peace flag at the rally. Gulledge said that while there is collective anger involved, she sought to spread peace and unity at the rally.
“I know that a lot of anger, frustration and despair [is] here today,” Gulledge said. “We can bring positive encouragement so people can do the hard work and resist back at home, where they might feel alone.”
Indivisible maintains national chapters throughout the U.S. with the goal of preserving democracy against Trump’s agenda. Doernberg said that the Charlottesville event was also aimed at drawing attention to Republican Rep. John McGuire, who represents Virginia’s 5th district. McGuire was elected Nov. 5 and recently expressed support for Trump’s agenda.
“The goal is action,” Doerberg said. “It's really important to let McGuire know how many people are upset… we have to push people, even Republicans [and] MAGA Republicans.”
The protest concluded around 6:30 p.m. Indivisible also posted about McGuire’s telephone town hall Feb. 26 at 6 p.m., encouraging citizens to join and voice their concerns.
A previous version of this article had incorrectly stated that Bob Good was the Virginia’s 5th Congressional District representative during President Trump’s first term. The representative was Tom Garrett. The article has been updated to reflect this change
A previous version of this article estimated nearly 300 attended. A source in this article has clarified that the estimates are closer to 750 attendees, as individuals came after the designated protest time. The article has been updated to reflect this change.
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