COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on President’s Day to voice their opposition to recent actions by the White House, including a crackdown on immigration and cuts to federal jobs and services.

The demonstration, which drew nearly 400 participants, was part of a nationwide protest against policies implemented by President Donald Trump.

Protesters waved signs and flags, expressing their discontent with the selection of billionaire Elon Musk to oversee federal spending cuts and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

“I do not recognize this as my country anymore,” said protester Dianne Fidelibus. “We are losing compassion for humanity, we are losing our rights as women, I think we have lost the whole sense of integrity.”

Pat Taylor, another protester, added, “He says America first, but he is not putting America first, he’s doing other things.”

Military veteran Jerry Beck traveled from Sandusky to join the protest, expressing concern over potential cuts to veteran services.

“There’s some veteran groups that I am part of talking about becoming ex-patriots and moving to other lands,” Beck said. “That’s terrifying me, I love my country.”

The protest in Columbus was part of a larger movement, with similar demonstrations occurring in cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City.

Cedarville University political science professor Mark Caleb Smith commented on the likelihood of the protesters’ demands being heard by the administration.

“I kind of doubt it, to be honest with you,” Smith said. “Donald Trump doesn’t seem to really have much interest in engaging with his opponents.

“I can;t really see him having much of a concern with it,” said Smith, “unless it spills to something much larger.”

The Ohio Republican Party issued a statement to ABC 6 about the statehouse protests.

“President Trump and Ohio’s Vice President Vance are more popular now in Ohio than the day they won the state in a landslide. This is because of the Administration’s efforts to rapidly fix the destruction of the failed Biden presidency on issue after issue like sealing the border, rooting out waste and fraud in government, and protecting women and girls. Any protest in Ohio is a waste of time as Ohioans stand with our President.”

Leslie Dick, a participant in the protest, disagrees with the party’s sentiments.

“When they say they are more popular than ever, I don’t believe that,” Dick said. “Look at the people out here today in the cold. We’ll be out here every time there’s a time to do it. We’ll be out here protesting because it’s wrong.”