‘Pushback’: Protesters to converge on Medinah for Trump’s Presidents Cup visit
Different worlds will converge in Medinah this week for the Presidents Cup tournament.
At the Medinah Country Club, silent spectators will hold their breath as they watch the world’s elite golfers swing.
Just a mile away, thousands of vocal protesters will wave signs and raise their voices in opposition to President Donald Trump’s visit.
The White House has not announced when Trump, honorary chair of the tournament, will arrive but Illinois Handmaids organizer Jax West of Lisle is betting on Sunday, the event’s final day.
“He doesn’t care about women or reproductive rights,” West said of Trump, whose conservative Supreme Court appointees struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Illinois Handmaids supporters will converge at the corner of Lake Street and Medinah Road and “we know (Trump’s) not going to drive past us,” said West, who also helps lead Team Bluepage.
“Chances are he’s going to take a helicopter from O’Hare and he’ll land at the country club. He’s not going to see us live — but we know that man can’t help himself from watching the news so he’s going to see it. I just can’t let him come here and not get pushback.”
The Handmaids, wearing their standout scarlet dresses based on Margaret Atwood’s novel about an authoritarian state that oppresses women, are just one of the advocacy groups planning to gather around the tiny DuPage County community.
Illinois Veterans for Change Executive DIrector Jesse Rojo of Schaumburg will rally with members on Saturday because “were not just fighting against Trump, we’re fighting for something more.”
“I will be focusing on the Iranian War and everything that’s frankly wrong with it,” Rojo said, adding he believes opposition to the conflict is becoming a bipartisan stance. “There’s a high amount of unity around the idea of ending these forever wars.”
As veterans, “we know firsthand why these wars have to end. We have people losing their lives, losing so much … for nothing. It’s just heartbreaking,” said Rojo, who served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Meanwhile, Immigrant Solidarity DuPage plans a separate march Thursday near the country club.
“Our message is ‘Kick Trump out of Illinois,’” Executive Director Cristobal Cavazos said. “We’re calling for his impeachment and we’re calling for legalization for all.”
Trump’s visit comes amid the anniversary of Operation Midway Blitz, the aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdown in Chicago and the suburbs. “It was a reign of terror Trump inflicted on Illinois as a so-called blue state,” Cavazos said.
Democratic leaders said they’ll also amplify economic issues like expensive groceries, gas and housing.
“Things are getting bad on all fronts,” said Bloomingdale Township Democratic Organization Chair Terrell Barnes, who will lead a contingent to Medinah Saturday.
“It’s going to be a beautiful event. We’ll just be there … making sure people don’t forget about what’s going on outside the gate.”
The Daily Herald reached out to several suburban Republican organizations, but none said they plan counterprotests.
The Presidents Cup “is a really big deal for all the hotels, restaurants and businesses in the area,” DuPage County Republican Chairman Kevin Coyne said.
“They’re hoping that the whole thing doesn’t get out of control and hurts their businesses. So out of respect to them and the event, we’re probably not going to add to any onsite party-organized events.
“I’m sure there will be some supporters of the president there doing something but not organized by us,” Coyne noted. “By and large, the, Republicans aren’t into the whole jumping up and down on the street thing. The whole public mob thing is usually a Democratic activity.”
mpyke@dailyherald.com