Saturday, NYC activists conducted a die-in protest against Donald Trump at the New York Stock Exchange. Protestors laid on their backs while holding tombstone signs listing the causes of their death. These included “No Updated Flu Vaccine” and “DOGE Cut My Medicaid” among others. While the visual may be silly to some, the message could not be more serious. Trump and DOGE have launched a concerted attack on federal funding. Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and other vital welfare programs are now all in jeopardy. If protests like the die-in at the NY Stock Exchange can’t muster enough public opposition, those headstone epitaphs may become real.
Tombstones Block Stock Exchange in Trump Protest
There are many forms of protest, with demonstrations and flyers being two of the most common. Using one’s own body to protest is a profound symbol in itself, even before you get to the death symbolism. The die-in at the New York Stock Exchange draws attention to actual Trump policies with real and lethal consequences. Losing health care hurts everyone, but people in marginalized communities will suffer the most. New York understands that all too well, which explains the non-stop protests seen in NYC.
A Reddit post about the situation by u/Healthy_Block3036 garnered plenty of supportive comments, although overall reactions were mixed. One commenter praised the die-in method, saying, “[T]his is awesome and probably the funniest form of organized protest i’ve ever seen [sic].” Another commenter was quick to push back on that and emphasize the seriousness of the situation, saying,
Nothing about this is funny. It’s scary and im pleased they did this [sic]
Activists like those at the New York Stock Exchange die-in know that they potentially face detention or worse. American history is built on pepper spray, batons, and fire hoses. The Civil Rights movement is a living memory for many; every right fought for and won is under siege again. At least for now, the tombstones are only pretend.
