Following the April 5 rallies across the U.S., I read comments on social media questioning whether any of the millions of attendees had jobs. I don’t know the employment status of the people who turned out, but I suspect each person had some other obligation or activity that they gave up in order to voice their concerns, including me.

I know one person who does have a job. A big job. A 24/7 job: President Trump. Where was he on April 5 as American streets overflowed with common, everyday citizens voicing their opposition to his policies? Where was he on April 5 when four soldiers, killed last week in Lithuania, were returned to U.S soil? Where was he on April 5 as the stock market tumbled to historic lows because of his unpopular tariff policies? He was at Mar-a-Lago playing golf and attending a fancy dinner in order to boost his personal financial interest in a Saudi golf deal — a trip that cost U.S. taxpayers $4.2 million. If people think Trump was working for “we the people” on April 5, they should think again. He was working for himself.

And speaking of jobs, where were Maine’s representatives on April 5? Sen. King was in Portland and Rep. Pingree was in D.C., both attending rallies and responding to voter concerns. Notably absent, and frustratingly silent, were Sen. Collins and Rep. Golden. Our representatives in Congress need to show up, do their jobs and listen to their constituents. Anything less is unacceptable.

Katherine Maxsimic
Portland