Letters to the Editor Debate Trump, Protesters, and Local Politics

Press Democrat readers comment on paid agitators, Trump's rhetoric, and a nonpartisan city council race.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:31am

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The latest Letters to the Editor section of the Press Democrat features several letters debating issues related to the Trump administration, protests against police brutality, and a local city council race. Readers discuss claims of 'paid agitators' at protests, concerns over Trump's mental abilities, and a candidate's decision to skip a nonpartisan candidate forum.

Why it matters

These letters provide insight into how readers in the Santa Rosa, California area are reacting to national political issues as well as a local election. The debate over Trump's rhetoric and the role of protests highlights the deep partisan divides in the country, while the discussion of the nonpartisan city council race touches on the importance of civic engagement and representation.

The details

The letters cover a range of topics, including claims by the Trump administration that protesters are 'paid agitators,' concerns over Trump's mental abilities, and a local city council candidate's decision to skip a nonpartisan candidate forum. One reader argues that it is actually the actions of federal agents and troops deployed to cities that seem to be 'agitating the citizens,' not paid protesters. Another reader questions why prominent Republicans continue to 'treat Trump like a child' by explaining away his rhetoric. A third letter criticizes a city council candidate for declining to participate in a nonpartisan forum, arguing this undermines the civic dialogue.

  • The letters were published on January 28, 2026.

The players

Chris Carpenter

A resident of Petaluma, California who wrote a letter to the editor.

Cheryle Stanley

A resident of Yountville, California who wrote a letter to the editor.

Gary B. Thomas

A resident of Santa Rosa, California who wrote a letter to the editor.

Gene Gross

A resident of Santa Rosa, California who wrote a letter to the editor.

Melanie Bagby

A former Cloverdale City Council member who is running for a county supervisor seat.

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What they’re saying

“It seems that Trump and his supporters have got the story backward regarding paid agitators.”

— Chris Carpenter

“Why do prominent Republicans insist on treating Trump like a child or an old man, telling Americans that he doesn't mean what he says?”

— Cheryle Stanley

“County supervisor races are nonpartisan by design. Declining to engage because of perceived party affiliation dismisses roughly 25% of county residents and undermines the civic dialogue Washington urged us to protect.”

— Gary B. Thomas

The takeaway

These letters highlight the deep partisan divisions in the country, with readers debating issues like the role of protests, Trump's rhetoric, and the importance of nonpartisan civic engagement. The discussion underscores the challenges facing American democracy as political factions harden and the ability to have constructive dialogues becomes increasingly difficult.