A massive beach protest in Santa Cruz, California, drew nearly 1,000 participants who formed a human banner reading ‘Resist!’ in rainbow colors as part of a Pride Month demonstration against President Donald Trump. The event, organized by Indivisible Santa Cruz County, was designed to showcase solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and promote nonviolent resistance. Participants were instructed to dress in matching rainbow attire, and the beach was adorned with fabric to help coordinate the effort. Brad Newsham, a longstanding activist, oversaw the 220-foot-wide display, with letters reaching up to 70 feet high, symbolizing a message of resistance.
However, just above the colorful banner, a different message was etched into the sand: ’86 47.’ This phrase, often interpreted as a call to ‘get rid of’ the 47th president, has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that the phrase crosses a line, suggesting a dangerous shift toward incitement. Earlier this month, former FBI Chief James Comey posted a similar message, but with shells instead of kelp, which he later removed after facing widespread backlash and intervention from law enforcement.
Protest organizers defended the message, stating that ’86 47′ is a symbolic rejection of Trump’s policies and not a literal threat. Jenny Evans, co-leader of Indivisible Santa Cruz County, emphasized that the event was an opportunity to show collective dissent against the current administration. “When a great number of people come out to do something like this, it just is one more thing to show that we’re not all saying, ‘Fine, fine. We’ll go along with whatever you want,’” she said to Lookout Santa Cruz.
Meanwhile, local Republican leaders, such as Mike LeLieur, chair of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party, expressed concerns about the political climate. They said that while the protest itself was peaceful, the use of coded language like ’86 47′ has contributed to a hostile environment for conservatives. LeLieur reported incidents of vandalism, including broken windows and slashed tires, noting that these actions have intensified in recent months. “We’ve had vehicles vandalized, tires slashed, and windows broken. I was forced off the road and attacked just for having a Trump sticker,” he said to Fox News Digital.
Despite the controversy, the protest was part of Santa Cruz’s 50th Pride celebration, emphasizing inclusivity and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The event’s organizers maintained that the focus was on nonviolent resistance and promoting kindness, although critics argue that the message ’86 47′ contradicts these ideals. Daniel Enriquez, a representative of the California Republican Assembly, stated, “In California — and especially in Santa Cruz County — the left is creating a political environment of non-acceptance and persecution. It’s consistent with the goals of socialist movements throughout history.”
Ultimately, the protest sparked a broader debate about the limits of political expression and the risks of coded language. While supporters argue that the event was a powerful statement of dissent, critics warn that such messages could incite tension and further polarize the nation. The incident also raised questions about the role of public spaces in political discourse and the responsibilities of organizers in maintaining peaceful demonstrations. As the debate continues, the Santa Cruz protest serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between activism, symbolism, and political polarization in contemporary society.