Summary:
- Protests inspired by civil rights leader John Lewis are occurring across the U.S., especially in Madison, Wisconsin.
- These demonstrations, branded “Good Trouble Lives On,” commemorate the fifth anniversary of Lewis’s death and address issues like voting rights, immigration, and disability support.
- Participants such as Valerie Schroedl express personal concerns over access to autism-related services for families with children with disabilities.
- Others protest for broader policy reform, calling for electoral change and immigration action including halting deportations and creating a pathway to citizenship.
- Republican officials, in contrast, criticize the protests as superficial and credit President Donald Trump for economic gains under his leadership.
- The protests echo the spirit of the 1960s civil rights movement and push for democratic participation and accountability.
Protests referencing the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis continued to unfold across the United States this month, underscoring growing tensions as the country moves deeper into the second Trump administration. One of the focal points of this nationwide mobilization took place in Madison, Wisconsin, where demonstrators gathered on July 17 in what organizers called the “Good Trouble Lives On” protests — a nod to Lewis’s famous call to action.
Hundreds of participants assembled on the steps of the state Capitol, joining nearly 40 coordinated events across Wisconsin to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Lewis’s death. The protests centered on issues ranging from voting rights and immigration to health care and disability support.
Many attendees said they were motivated by personal stakes in ongoing policy debates. Valerie Schroedl of Jefferson County, who has a son with autism, expressed concern over the federal government’s approach to disability services under the current administration. “There are so many kids who aren’t getting their dedicated supports anymore,” she told reporters at the event. Schroedl, a longtime activist, added that the protest was about making sure “our kids have the care they need.”
Others emphasized broader political goals. Gene Simon, a first-time protester from Madison, said his motivation was largely electoral: “The goal is to get Trump out of office,” he said. Retired nurse Mary Goonan, also in attendance, highlighted immigration enforcement as a key point of contention. “We need to stop the deportations and create paths to citizenship,” she noted, referencing recent changes in federal policy.
Republican officials responded promptly to the demonstrations. Anika Rickard, spokesperson for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, criticized the protesters’ message as lacking substance. “Once again, Democrats are focused on making noise while Republicans are getting things done,” she said in a statement. Rickard pointed to employment figures and economic indicators she attributed to what she called President Trump’s “effective and unapologetic leadership.”
The “Good Trouble” demonstrations have become a recurring symbol of citizen-led resistance, borrowing from the language and moral framework of the 1960s civil rights movement. This year’s actions unfolded against a backdrop of political maneuvering in Washington, where recent administrative appointments—some drawing national attention—have stirred both support and scrutiny.
Organizers insist that the protests are not merely symbolic. “John Lewis taught us that democracy requires participation,” said one speaker during Thursday’s rally. “This isn’t just a moment of remembrance. It’s a demand for accountability.”
While voices from both sides of the political aisle debate the impact and intent of such demonstrations, the events serve as a reminder of the continued role civic protest plays in American political life. As the 2026 midterms approach, many participants say they have no plans to quiet down.
Background:
Here is how this event developed over time:
- July 17, 2025 — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison as part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” protests marking the fifth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis‘s death.
- July 17, 2025 — Roughly 40 coordinated events took place across Wisconsin, voicing public dissent against the second Trump administration and its policy agenda.
- July 17, 2025 — Protesters cited concerns including disability rights, immigration reform, and erosion of democratic norms as reasons for participating.
- July 17, 2025 — Wisconsin Republican Party spokesperson Anika Rickard dismissed the protests, claiming Democrats were focused on theatrics while Republicans were “getting things done.”
- July 2025 — The protests unfolded amid controversial political appointments within Trump’s administration, including short-lived roles for high-profile figures like Elon Musk.
- July 2025 — National debates intensified over constitutional protections and civil liberties, reflecting broader divisions over the administration’s direction.