Brunswick County protesters urge Rep. Rouzer to take action against Trump
BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds of protestors gathered outside of the Brunswick County Courthouse Thursday, demanding action from US House Representative David Rouzer.
Protesters repeatedly chanted “we have no kings” and “fight like hell,” a reclamation of President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign slogan. Many in the audience said they’re concerned about Trump’s handling of negotiations with Ukraine.
Last week, a meeting at the White House divulged into a heated exchange between the two presidents, sending shockwaves through Ukrainian communities in the US and abroad.
“I am ashamed at how we are treating our friends, our European allies,” Donna Godbout said.
“What’s being done now is beyond reprehensible, and it’s not what the US should be standing for,” Ukrainian activist Barbara Bakowycz added.
“We’re leaving the Ukrainians high and dry,” Navy veteran Michael Rush said.
Others in attendance say they’re concerned about the involvement of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the federal government.
“Nobody elected him, not even the Republicans that voted for Trump and he’s now in the center of our government,” Brunswick County Democratic Party Chair Shelley Allen noted.
“We are now in a constitutional crisis because he has completely co-opted the Republican Party,” Dennis Breen said. “Unfortunately, our elected officials lack the backbone to stand up to this guy.”
“He can’t be trusted with our democracy, to put it succinctly,” Rush added.
The protest was organized outside of Congressman Rouzer’s field office located inside the courthouse.
Rouzer—a previous ally to Trump—has remained quiet about the president’s actions, though protestors at the rally feel he should be doing more.
Allen said Rouzer has not held an official town hall meeting with constituents since 2017.
“We never get to talk to him, we never get to tell him how we’re feeling, and he works for us as our representative and we should be able to do that,” she said.
WWAY reached out to Rep. Rouzer’s office for comment. We have not received a response as of Thursday evening.
