The historic Crown Point Courthouse saw one of several demonstrations organized across 50 states ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress Tuesday evening.

NWI Takes Action, Indivisible NWI, NWI Blue Fellowship, The Nasty Women of Porter County and more were among the local organizations involved in the protest. Chants like “Deport Elon, fire Trump,” and “This is what democracy looks like,” echoed in downtown Crown Point. While there was some opposition, most people cheered or honked, said one of the demonstration organizers, Tracie Martin, who said 90% of the responses were positive.

“A whole cohort of groups have been connecting to bring attention to the fact that democracy has been taken over,” Martin said. “It took a few weeks as things were spiraling in the country, but we have seen a huge membership spike. People are desperate for action. It’s surprising how many people have come together.”

Oleh and Natasha, of Kyiv, Ukraine were walking downtown when they saw the protest. They approached the group and thanked them for speaking out for Ukraine. The couple, who live in Crown Point and declined to give their last names, used a translator app on their phones to help communicate.

Using his phone translator, Oleh told the Post-Tribune, “We are grateful to all American people who support our poor Ukraine, and who help in any way they can. Our American friends also help us.”

They have seven children, Natasha said. As the couple walked by, the demonstrators chanted “Slava Ukraine,” meaning “Glory to Ukraine,” a symbolic phrase of Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression. After, Oleh and Natasha hugged Martin.From the 2016 election through 2025, more groups have sprung up across the Region to oppose the Trump administration and its ideals, Martin said. Linda Johnson is a member of Indivisible NWI, which was founded the first time Trump was elected in 2016.

“Indivisible NWI has seen its members quadruple,” Johnson said. “We just outgrew our old meeting place.”

Despite the rain, some passersby joined the protest spontaneously.

“All I do is complain at the TV,” said Mary Herr, of St. John. “When I saw this happening I figured, it’s time to do something… I feel more like an American being here. Instead of sitting at home complaining. When you stand up for what you believe in, that is the power of doing something.”

The nationwide demonstrations were spurred by the 50501 Movement, which refers to the idea of 50 protests in 50 states in one day.

“The whole country assembled today ahead of the speech of lies that Trump will broadcast tonight,” Laura Sparacino, of Valparaiso, said.

“I hope we make people aware that he is not patriotic, this is not making the country great. It’s like a reverse Robin Hood situation.”

Crown Point resident Rose Tadla said she believes Trump is “following the rules of how to become a dictator.”

“We are gathered because what is happening in America today is an atrocity,” Tadla said.

“Trump is trying to ruin the American way of life and dismantle our rights. He wants to dismantle social security. I, and a lot of other Americans, would be screwed without social security payments. It’s going to hurt everyone.”

There will be more demonstrations and days of action ahead, Martin said. She encouraged people to look up the organizations on social media and join or follow to keep updated.

“We want to make sure people don’t forget they have a voice,” Martin said. “I never want to be in a country where I can’t stand on the corners here and use my voice. We need to protect that.”

Anna Ortiz is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.