On Tuesday night, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon engaged in a lengthy protest on the Senate floor. His objective was to draw attention to what he perceives as significant threats to democracy posed by former President Donald Trump.
Merkley’s Senate Protest Against Trump’s Actions
Merkley articulated his concerns through social media platform X, emphasizing the urgency of his message: “We cannot pretend this is normal.” He sought to highlight specific tactics used by the Trump administration that he believes undermine democratic processes.
Key Tactics Highlighted by Merkley
- Changes to voter registration files
- Gerrymandering of House districts
- Efforts to eliminate vote-by-mail options
During his protest, which began around 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, Merkley stood beside a poster that read, “Ring the alarm bells: AUTHORITARIANISM IS HERE NOW!” This visual aid aimed to underscore his serious message regarding democratic integrity.
Merkley also discussed the federal funding initiatives introduced by Trump earlier this year. He continued to speak on the Senate floor late into the night, still addressing the gathering at 11 p.m. This protest coincides with a notable 21-day government shutdown, adding further context to his concerns about the state of democracy.
