A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the Prince William County Judicial Center in Manassas on Friday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump’s alarming consolidation of executive power.
The protest, organized by Will Stewart of Indivisible NoVA West, drew about 10 attendees. The group selected the courthouse as a symbolic backdrop to highlight what they described as the judiciary’s critical role in holding the executive branch accountable.
“This was a local protest to spotlight how Trump has sidelined or removed officials and agencies meant to keep him in check — from military legal advisers to election watchdogs,” Stewart said in an email. “The Judicial Center represents one of the three pillars of government that is still pushing back.”
Stewart said his group plans to organize more demonstrations across Prince William County in the coming months and encourages others to get involved via their Facebook page.
But Friday’s protest came as data shows growing support for Trump in the same community. In the November 2024 general election, Prince William County experienced a 3.7-point shift toward Republican candidates compared to the 2021 election, according to an analysis published by Virginia nonprofit Cardinal News.
Though Prince William remains a Democratic-leaning locality, the data suggests Republican turnout efforts outperformed expectations, especially in suburban areas where Democrats typically enjoy more substantial margins.
The protestors, however, focused less on polling data and more on policy decisions, accusing Trump of installing unqualified loyalists in key federal positions and dismantling independent oversight mechanisms.
In a lengthy statement, Stewart accused the administration of firing inspectors general, whistleblower investigators, and top military legal advisors, while weakening agencies like the Federal Election Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“His actions have effectively dismantled the guardrails of our democracy,” Stewart said.
While the group’s turnout on Friday was modest — just four individuals were photographed outside the courthouse — Stewart attributed the low numbers to a technical glitch that prevented their rally notice from being widely shared.
In previous events held in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, Stewart said the group had drawn more than 60 people.
As the 2025 campaign season heats up, Prince William County may once again become a key battleground — not just at the ballot box, but on the sidewalks where protestors and political movements seek to sway public opinion.
