Haaland, Stansbury Rally New Mexico Supporters Before Trump Inauguration

On the eve of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, a rally at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque brought together hundreds of supporters and prominent political figures. The event, known as the People’s March, was initially launched in 2017 as the Women’s March, aimed at promoting equal rights in response to Trump’s first term. This year, it carried forward its tradition of uniting voices for justice and equity.

A Call for Action

Outgoing U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who has been a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in government, delivered a powerful keynote address. While she did not directly mention her rumored gubernatorial bid—a move restricted by federal regulations—her speech underscored the challenges ahead under Trump’s administration.

“Over the past few years, our state has stood up for reproductive freedom and significantly expanded Medicaid coverage for postpartum care,” Haaland said. “We moved our state forward on clean energy and supported our public school teachers. There’s still so much more to do. We need to fight for people and for our families.”

Her remarks were met with applause as she urged the crowd to remain steadfast in advocating for policies that reflect their values.

Standing Up for Progress

The event highlighted New Mexico’s strides in areas like healthcare, education, and clean energy. Haaland’s call to action resonated deeply with attendees, who gathered to voice their concerns about the potential rollback of progress under the new administration.

“Let me be clear, our fight is not over,” Haaland stated. “We will need to do the hard work of getting important things done and pushing back against an administration who couldn’t care less about regular people, about people like us. We need more people with real, lived experiences elected to office and serving our communities.”

A Shared Platform

Haaland was joined by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury, who succeeded her in representing New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District. Stansbury’s speech emphasized the dual significance of Inauguration Day coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“We choose to live in peace and fight for the things that we care for,” Stansbury said, invoking Dr. King’s 1968 speech at the University of Buffalo. “Just like Dr. King reminded us many decades ago, we will not give in to the politics of despair.”

Voices of the People

Hundreds of participants took to the streets, holding signs and chanting slogans that called for social justice, climate action, and protection of reproductive rights. The march, which began at Civic Plaza, was a testament to the enduring spirit of activism in New Mexico. For many, it was a chance to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities and advocate for policies that prioritize equity and inclusion.

“This is not just about opposing Trump,” said one attendee. “It’s about building a future where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.”

Looking Ahead

While the People’s March served as a rallying cry against the incoming administration, it also offered a moment of reflection on the progress achieved and the work that remains. The speakers’ messages were clear: the fight for justice and equality is far from over.

“We need to unapologetically stand up to make change, to ensure that your voices are heard,” Haaland said. “We are going to fight, to remind the people in power that they answer to us.”

Conclusion

As the nation transitions into another Trump administration, events like the People’s March highlight the importance of civic engagement and the power of collective action. For New Mexicans and Americans alike, the rally served as both a call to action and a reminder of the enduring need to fight for a just and equitable society.

---

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author