Three activists stood on the corner of South County Road and Breakers Way earlier today in protest of President Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
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DeVos and other Republicans were said to be playing golf at The Breakers around noon with their donors, prompting the organizers to put the event together through a Facebook page.
Anita Winkis of West Palm Beach and the other supporters were also involved in the Woman's March on Washington, and plan to take part in the March on Mar-a-Lago later today. "The manager of the hotel came down and said it was OK to be here, but not to come up the driveway," Winkis said.
The Palm Beach Police Department was aware of the protesters, and had police cars patrolling the area.
“They have a right to do that,” said Capt. Curtis Krauel. “We’re just making sure it’s peaceful.”
The main argument of the group was that Trump isn’t picking qualified candidates.
“Education is the backbone of our country,” said Lynn Stevens from Lake Park. “It’s unimaginable that someone with this little experience would be considered for the job … I’m a mad grandmother.”
People walking or driving showed support for three women holding signs against the cabinet picks by saying “I agree,” or by honking and waving.
Rebecca Weinberg of Palm Beach joined the group, saying that even some of her friends who are Trump supporters in town are hesitant about Devos and other cabinet selections.
“This is a really mixed bag here,” Weinberg said of Palm Beach. “I know people who voted for him that are nervous … It just seems like the last person in the room is the one who’s going to persuade him.”
Winkis replied: “That’s why (Steve) Bannon has to go too.”
Calls to The Breakers were not immediately returned.
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