While many Americans might associate President’s Day with ads for sales on mattresses or cars, many still take time to reflect on the 45 men who’ve held the position of commander in chief. For some, that means voicing their displeasure.

Across the Northland, protests were organized against the Trump administration. One group, We the People – Cloquet Area Indivisible, held demonstrations both in Cloquet, as well as Moose Lake.

“This is what people want. They want to do something with their anger, with their grief over what’s happening. And this is one way to do that, to make sure our voices are heard and our voices are loud.” said protester Joan Peterson. In Cloquet, about 60 others joined her, despite temperatures hovering just above zero.

Peterson and the others expressed frustration with President Trump, his executive orders, and especially Elon Musk, with several demonstrators signs calling out the head of DOGE specifically.

“What’s brought us out here is that we have an unelected South African Immigrant billionaire trying to steal our government from us. And we have the Republicans who are not saying anything. They’re quiet, they’re silent, they’re crickets when it comes to the fact that they are taking things from us. And we’re not gonna have it.” Peterson said.

Protesters sang, chanted slogans, and waved at passing cars. Some motorists honked or waved in support, others jeered, and most simply drove by.

In addition to the group’s protests in Minnesota, demonstrations were also held in Wisconsin. Earlier in the day, a crowd gathered in downtown Superior, as well as Washburn City Hall in Bayfield county.

With Washington under the GOP’s control for the foreseeable future, Peterson thinks demonstrations like the one in Cloquet will continue.

“I see us maybe out here many more times protesting. I am hoping that the Republicans are finally going to read the room and stand up and do something about it. I can’t understand how they can allow unconstitutional and illegal executive orders to happen.”

WDIO has reached out to the offices of Northland Republican leaders Rep. Pete Stauber and Rep. Jeff Dotseth for comment, but have not yet heard back at this time.