CAPTION: FATHER MICHAEL PFLEGER, addressing President Trump’s banning of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, the teaching of Black history, and the firing of federal employees orchestrated by billionaire Elon Musk, called for unity to resist these racists moves by Trump who he says wants to MAKE AMERICA WHITE AGAIN (MAWA). (Photos by Chinta Strausberg)
Fears MAWA rule
Flanked by a diverse group of supporters, including veterans, Father Michael Pfleger raised the American flag upside down during a press conference at St. Sabina Church to symbolize what he called America’s state of emergency. The controversial move was followed by a passionate call to resist the policies of President Donald Trump.
Before Pfleger’s press conference, three veterans held their own news conference, with U.S. Navy veteran Esteban Burgon condemning the flag display. He accused Pfleger of disrespecting veterans and the country, stating that the flag “does not represent Trump” but rather the people. Burgon also called on Pfleger to preach peace instead of creating “chaos.”
In an interview with the Chicago Crusader, Pfleger explained his actions, blaming Trump for what he described as an assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. He accused Trump of using DEI as a tool to fire Black employees and advance his “Make America White Again” agenda.
Pfleger also voiced his concerns about Trump’s executive orders, particularly the one titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” The order led to the firing of government workers, the closure or downsizing of federal buildings, and a directive to end DEI programs at universities, colleges, and corporations.
“While Medicare and Medicaid are at risk, thousands of government workers are being fired. The Department of Education is being dismantled, Black history is being erased, and immigrants are being criminalized,” Pfleger said. “Meanwhile, a billionaire has been given unrestricted access to government information.”
He also accused Trump of exacerbating international tensions, particularly in the Middle East, where he alleged the president was involved in “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza. He also blamed Trump for the war in Ukraine, arguing that Russia was the aggressor in the conflict.
“This is not normal. This is unacceptable, and we will rise up and resist,” Pfleger declared during the press conference. “We are fighting for freedom.”
To underscore his message, Pfleger had the American flag raised upside down next to St. Sabina Academy, a visible protest against what he perceives as the country’s political and social crisis.
Pfleger was joined by Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, founder and executive director of Live Free Chicago, and Rochelle Crump, a Vietnam War veteran and member of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Crump strongly opposed Trump’s decision to fire 1,000 staffers at the Department of Veterans Affairs, calling the action “mentally ill” and warning that it would harm the quality of care for veterans.
“We are under attack,” Crump said. “The firings will impact the level of VA patient care.”
Pastor Julie Contreras of United Giving Hope also voiced her objections, particularly to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who have been seizing children. Contreras rejected Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, describing it as false and harmful.
“It is not true that immigrants are a threat to this nation,” Contreras said, refuting the narrative that immigrants cause problems in the U.S.
As the flag slowly rose, Pfleger led the crowd in a prayer. “Heal the land, God. We will not be silent. We will resist,” he prayed.
Following the prayer, Pfleger and his supporters sang “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” before linking arms and singing “We Shall Overcome.” They then marched back to the church.
In an interview with the Chicago Crusader, Pfleger warned that the current political climate was reminiscent of a time when civil rights were under direct attack. He drew parallels between Trump’s actions and those of historical figures who fought to maintain white supremacy, such as George Wallace and Bull Connor, a segregationist who opposed civil rights in the 1960s.
“These guys are trying to turn back the clock,” Pfleger said. “We’ll go all the way back to slavery if we’re not careful. Trump wants an all-white America—‘Make America White Again’—and if we don’t resist, we’ll see oligarchs rule the country.”
Pfleger further criticized the influence of wealth and power on U.S. politics, warning that the wealthy and powerful elites—whom he linked to figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—could dominate the global stage if their agenda was allowed to succeed.
“Rich white people will run the world if we let them,” Pfleger said. “We have to stand up and resist. This is not the time to be silent.”
He also took aim at Trump’s proposals to eliminate holidays like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, accusing the president of wanting to erase the history of Black Americans.
“He wants to get rid of anything that celebrates anything other than rich white people,” Pfleger said.
Asked what can be done to fight back, Pfleger answered, “We fight. We resist. There is more power in the streets than in the Oval Office, and once we come together, we’ll show them we’re not rolling over.”
Pfleger’s call to action resonated with many in the crowd, who echoed his demands for resistance against the political and social status quo. His rallying cry, “We will resist,” underscored the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in America.