Protesters in Waterville Criticize Trump on Presidents' Day

More than 80 people held signs at a 'Not This President Day' protest, saying the Trump administration goes against what the holiday stands for.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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On Presidents' Day, over 80 protesters gathered in Waterville, Maine to demonstrate against the Trump administration. The protesters, organized by retired history professor Elizabeth Leonard, held signs criticizing the president's policies on immigration, climate change, and his treatment of Olympic athletes. The protesters said Trump's actions violate the principles that the presidential holiday is meant to uphold.

Why it matters

The Presidents' Day protest in Waterville reflects growing grassroots opposition to the Trump administration in Maine and across the country. The protesters believe Trump's policies and behavior are at odds with the values and ideals associated with the presidential office, and they are using the holiday as an opportunity to voice their discontent.

The details

The protesters stood on sidewalks and intersections in downtown Waterville, cheering at passing cars. Some wore red knitted caps associated with resistance to the Nazi regime during WWII. Protesters criticized the Trump administration's actions on immigration, climate change, and its treatment of Olympic athletes who have spoken out against the federal government.

  • The protest took place on Presidents' Day, Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The protest ran from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The players

Elizabeth Leonard

A retired Waterville history professor who organized the 'Not This President Day' event.

Phyllis Capanna

A 69-year-old protester from Oakland, Maine who said there are not enough checks on the president's power.

Robin Deveney

Capanna's partner, who also protested in Waterville.

Elise Rich-Colton

A 40-year-old Waterville resident who owns Grand Central Cafe and has held fundraisers for immigrant defense funds.

Ann Longley

A 73-year-old Waterville resident who said she is protesting five days in a row this week, from Waterville to Scarborough.

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What they’re saying

“He's violating every principle that we believe he should be upholding, and that the Constitution requires.”

— Elizabeth Leonard, Retired Waterville history professor (centralmaine.com)

“This concentration of power in one office is obviously not going well for the country. It really matters who is in this office, and it's not going well. The rule of law is being ignored by both the president and Congress.”

— Phyllis Capanna (centralmaine.com)

“It's not like we're changing everybody's mind who drives by, but it's good for us to be together and not feel crazy for an hour every week.”

— Elise Rich-Colton, Waterville business owner (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

The protesters said they will continue to regularly contact Maine's representatives, including Senator Susan Collins, to voice their concerns about the Trump administration.

The takeaway

The Presidents' Day protest in Waterville reflects the deep political divisions in the country, with grassroots opposition to the Trump administration's policies and actions. The protesters believe Trump is violating the principles and ideals associated with the presidential office, and they are using public demonstrations and contacting their elected officials to make their voices heard.