ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On a cool spring morning, demonstrators lined the streets at the corner of Taylor Avenue and Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis to protest the arrival of Vice President J.D. Vance. Vance served as this year’s keynote speaker at the United States Naval Academy graduation.
As graduates prepared for commencement, the protesters chanted, “This is what diversity looks like!” and “Hey hey, ho ho, J.D. Vance has got to go!”
The military academies rotate speakers each year among the president, vice president, secretary of defense and other high-ranking officials. President Donald Trump will speak at West Point tomorrow.
The organizing groups included Anne Arundel Peace Action, the Coalition for LGBTQ Students, Anne Arundel Indivisible, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Annapolis Pride, the Caucus of African American Leaders, Robinson A.M.E. Church and Veterans for Peace.
One Anne Arundel Indivisible member emphasized that this was a collective effort, and people with different goals and belief systems came together in support of democracy. Leaders also said this was a gathering of grassroots organizations focused on community building.
Protesters made it clear that they were there in support of the Constitution and the right to free speech and peaceful protest. They expressed congratulations and support for the graduates (often called midshipmen or mids) and said the students deserve an administration that respects the Constitution.
“We’re here because we want a democracy, not an autocracy,” said Annapolis resident Jacqueline Dutton. “I live in Annapolis. I support the Naval Academy, I support the midshipmen. But I do not support autocracy, and I feel like our government is heading that way. This is an assault on our democracy, and we need to stand up to it.”
This is one of many protests that have taken place since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Groups like 50501 and Indivisible have organized coordinated local protests across the country.
The groups aim to support democratic principles such as due process and free speech. They cite Trump administration actions such as ICE deportations to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, investigations into political rivals, the dismantling of congressionally approved federal offices, attacks on private institutions and “DEI” language policing as evidence of an anti-democratic agenda.
“I’m worried about our Constitution. I think J.D. Vance is an example of someone who is violating his oath. It’s not only scary for immigrants, it’s scary for all Americans who just want to use their First Amendment rights,” said Kari Alperovitz-Bichell.
“We’re here to protest the fascism of the Trump administration,” said protester Lewis Bracy, adding that protests like this one raise awareness for larger future demonstrations. “We’re respecting the graduates because they deserve it. What they don’t deserve is a president who has insulted their service repeatedly.”
Bracy cited cuts to veterans’ services at the Department of Health and Human Services and VA crisis hotline reductions as part of the insult.
“How are you gonna cut 10,000 jobs and say you’re for veterans?” he asked. “You can’t say that.”
The turnout included individuals, families and Annapolitans attending with groups that helped plan the event. Many were local and came out to show their support for their community.
The McQuaid family attended with their young children.
“We’re here to support the mids, but also because we don’t agree with what the current administration is doing. It felt important to include the whole family because we’re all affected,” said Kaitlyn McQuaid.
Protests against commencement speakers aren’t unheard of during graduation season. Just last week, students at Columbia University booed Acting President Claire Shipman and chanted “Free Mahmoud” in reference to Mahmoud Kahlil, who is currently being held in ICE detention in Louisiana.
“Part of successful dictatorships is that they convince people they’re alone. These protests are still worthwhile if only to bolster the American people,” said protester Gabe Clement.
There were cheers of “Go Navy!” and “Congrats mids!” before police shut down the street in all directions. A helicopter flew overhead, and then protesters stood in deafening quiet, waiting for the motorcade, signs at the ready.
You can watch the commencement ceremony, including the address by Vice President J.D. Vance, online. Congratulations to all the graduates.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
After lying about Haitians eating dogs and cats. He let the whole world know what type of person he is. No integrity, no backbone, and completely unqualified.
Liberal wackos
Look like Annapolis has an unemployment problem.
All seniors that grew up in a time where they could trust main stream news.
Go TRUMP ANNAPOLIS CRY BABYS DEMS
Tear gas them all!
Ah, demoncrats expressing their opinions, while a majority of quieter American citizens are are getting what they wanted and voted for.
Well, they had Lady Eyeliner and not Capt. Bonespurs
Same old, same old. Ultra left wing protesters spoiling everything for whomever is not on board with their deviance, immorality and loosey-goosey lies and distortions. I do give them an award for depths of low cunning, though – they hope to deflect just criticism by saying, “we support the Naval Academy.” Nice try, but it failed.
I am tired and angry at these constant protesters. Especially at a graduation ceremony. These people seems to have no manners and take every opportunity to show their discontent. The MAGA people did not do this during the Biden term. Yet these Trump haters do this all the time.
Cry BABIES
You’re the reason we’re in distress
How disrespectful of our current administration and the graduating Naval Academy students.
Get a life cry babies