Introduction: A Call to Action for Veterans and Supporters Nationwide
Thousands of veterans and supporters are set to gather in Washington, D.C., and across the United States on Friday, March 15, 2025, to protest against President Donald Trump and his administration. The demonstrations, organized under the banner of "NowDC," are a direct response to a series of controversial policies and actions taken by the Trump administration, which many argue are harming veterans and undermining democracy. The march, slated to take place on the National Mall, is being spearheaded by the group Fourteenth Now, which is calling for Trump’s removal from office. The group argues that Trump is unfit to lead due to his alleged role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which they contend makes him an "insurrectionist" under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The protest will also highlight the administration’s proposed cuts to Social Security, federal job losses for veterans, the pardoning of January 6 rioters, and reductions in veterans’ healthcare services. Similar protests are planned at state capitals nationwide, with organizers urging supporters of Ukraine, federal workers, and those concerned about Social Security cuts to join the movement.
The Core Issues Driving the Protests
At the heart of the protests are the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures, which have resulted in significant job losses for federal employees, including veterans. According to reports, approximately 2,500 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have already been laid off since Trump returned to office, with an additional 80,000 jobs expected to be cut by the end of the year. These layoffs are part of a broader effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been tasked with streamlining federal operations. Critics argue that these cuts are disproportionately affecting veterans and are being carried out without regard for the long-term consequences on federal services and the livelihoods of those who have served the country.
In addition to job losses, the protests will draw attention to the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to Social Security and veterans’ healthcare services. These reductions have sparked widespread concern among veterans and advocacy groups, who argue that they will exacerbate existing challenges faced by veterans, including access to mental health care, disability benefits, and other critical support services. The administration’s decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 riot has also been a flashpoint, with many viewing it as a betrayal of the rule of law and an insult to the sacrifices made by veterans.
The date of the protest, March 15, 2025, is not coincidental. It corresponds to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion after swearing an oath to support the Constitution from holding public office. Fourteenth Now and other organizers argue that Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6 riot disqualify him from office under this provision. The march will also serve as a platform to denounce what organizers describe as the "purging" of veteran employees from federal roles as part of the administration’s austerity measures.
The Broader Significance of the Protests
The protests in Washington, D.C., and across the country are not just about veterans’ issues; they represent a broader movement against what many see as an erosion of democracy and the mistreatment of those who have served the nation. The events are expected to draw a diverse crowd, including federal workers whose jobs are at risk, advocates for Ukraine in its war against Russia, and individuals concerned about the future of Social Security. The inclusion of these groups highlights the widespread impact of the Trump administration’s policies and the growing dissatisfaction among various segments of the population.
The "NowDC" protest, in particular, has gained significant attention due to its high-profile speakers. Among them is Jessica Denson, a founding member of Fourteenth Now and a former Trump aide who famously sued the president’s 2016 campaign over nondisclosure agreements she claimed were used to silence her after she alleged sexual and verbal harassment by a supervisor. Denson’s involvement adds a personal dimension to the protest, underscoring the theme of accountability and the fight against silencing marginalized voices. Other notable speakers include former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who was on duty during the January 6 riot, and comedian Cliff Cash. Organizers expect around 3,000 people to attend the protest in Washington, D.C., while the nationwide marches may start small but could grow over time.
The Response from the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has pushed back against the criticism, framing its policies as necessary measures to restore fiscal responsibility and efficiency to the federal government. Alina Habba, a counselor to Trump, argued that while the president and his administration care deeply about veterans, they also have a duty to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. Habba suggested that some veterans may no longer be "fit" for federal jobs, though she emphasized that this does not mean the administration has abandoned its commitment to supporting veterans.
However, critics like Michael Embrich, a Navy veteran and former policy adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, have dismissed this reasoning as disingenuous. Embrich accused Trump and Musk of "gutting" the VA and "purging" veteran employees, arguing that these actions harm those who have sacrificed the most for their country. Similarly, David Zuckerman, the former lieutenant governor of Vermont, called attention to the nationwide impact of the administration’s cuts, particularly in states where there is no centralized organizing effort for the protests. Zuckerman encouraged individuals to "show up and stand with our veterans," emphasizing the importance of grassroots organizing in building a sustained movement.
The Role of Project 2025 and Its Impact on Veterans
One of the key issues driving the protests is the Trump administration’s alleged alignment with "Project 2025," a comprehensive plan outlined by the conservative Heritage Foundation to overhaul the federal government. The 922-page document, which has been endorsed by multiple members of Trump’s Cabinet, calls for sweeping changes to federal agencies, including the VA. Critics argue that if implemented, Project 2025 would decimate programs that are critical to veterans, exacerbating existing challenges and leaving many without the support they need.
While Trump has denied any direct connection to Project 2025, its influence on his administration’s policies has been a point of contention. Veterans and advocacy groups fear that the plan’s vision for a smaller, more efficient federal government will come at the expense of vital services for those who have served in the military. The nationwide protests aim to raise awareness about these risks and to mobilize opposition to any further cuts to veterans’ programs.
What’s Next for the Movement?
As the protests approach, organizers are working to ensure that the events are peaceful and impactful. The "NowDC" march in Washington, D.C., will be livestreamed on Jessica Denson’s YouTube channel, allowing those who cannot attend in person to participate virtually. While the turnout for the state-level protests is harder to predict, organizers are hopeful that even small gatherings will help build momentum for a larger movement. As Zuckerman noted, "this may be a long four years," but by starting to organize now, supporters can lay the groundwork for sustained resistance against the administration’s policies.
In the coming days and weeks, the success of the protests will be measured not just by the number of attendees but by the level of awareness and engagement they generate. Whether the movement can translate Friday’s demonstrations into lasting change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the voices of veterans and their supporters will not be silenced.
