At Army–Navy game, activists confront Trump over Venezuela

Baltimore, Dec. 13 — Activists shifted the spotlight from the pageantry of the Army–Navy game, using Donald Trump’s attendance as a platform to center a powerful demand: “No war on Venezuela.”

Hundreds lined the streets outside the stadium where Trump was scheduled to appear, unfurling banners that read, “No war on Venezuela and Palestine” and “No to ICE — Money for jobs, education, and health care.”

Andrew Matatag, representing the publication Struggle-La Lucha, drew a sharp contrast. “Almost every police agency on record — from the Secret Service to Homeland Security — is amassed here today to protect Trump,” he said. “Meanwhile in Venezuela, President Maduro freely appears and speaks in community meetings with residents, including our own reporter, John Parker.”

“We saw the helicopters that transported Trump to Fort McHenry before he was whisked away to some back door of the stadium — far away from our demands to address Baltimore’s need for adequate food, housing, and jobs,” declared Colby Byrd, who led chants through a megaphone. “Instead, we see trillions for the Pentagon.”

Protesters noted the sparse mainstream media coverage but were energized by the unity and spirit of the diverse groups who braved the cold to ensure their opposition was heard.

The demonstration was organized by the Peoples Power Assembly, Free State Coalition, Indivisible, and the Struggle for Socialism Party.