President Trump's visit to Wheeler High School on Wednesday, July 22, has split Cobb County's political establishment, with Democrats organizing protest rallies and Republicans calling it a chance for East Cobb families to hear directly from the president.

The Cobb County Democratic Committee announced plans for a protest rally on July 22 but did not disclose the location. The party said it wants to send a message "that the felon-in-chief is not welcome here." Progressive activist group Indivisible Cobb said it will rally near the school on Holt Road.

Cobb Democratic Committee Chair Essence Johnson accused the district of misusing resources. "Cobb County tax dollars are not being used to prepare Wheeler High for incoming students, but to play politics with a wannabe dictator," Johnson said, according to East Cobb News. "I don't know why school leadership thought that they could sneak this visit through and not expect community pushback, but believe me there's going to be pushback."

Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon praised the event, calling it "a fantastic opportunity for patriots in Cobb County and metro Atlanta to hear directly from the President."

Board of Education member John Cristadoro, who represents the Wheeler and Walton attendance zones, said on Facebook that "regardless of which side of the aisle you're on, it's a big deal to have a sitting president choose our school for this."

What Trump will promote

Trump will promote Trump Accounts, a federally funded investment program for children created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The U.S. Treasury launched the program on July 4.

The federal government deposits $1,000 into an account for each child born in the U.S. between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. Children under 18 born before 2025 can also open accounts but do not receive the seed deposit. Family members may contribute up to $5,000 per year, while employers and nonprofits can add up to $2,500 annually as a tax-deductible contribution, according to the U.S. Treasury. Funds are invested in low-cost index funds and cannot be accessed until the child turns 18, when penalty-free withdrawals are limited to education, home purchases, or starting a business.

The district's role

The Cobb County School District said it is "honored" to host the president. Chief Strategy and Accountability Officer John Floresta said the district looks forward to "showcasing the high-quality academic choices which make Cobb the best place to raise a family."

The district has not said how Wheeler was selected or what role it played in arranging the visit.

Wheeler, founded in 1965, is part of a 105,738-student district that ranked No. 1 in metro Atlanta on the 2024-25 Georgia Milestones in five tested subjects.

What families need to know

The event begins at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Wheeler High School, 375 Holt Road, Marietta. Tickets are available first-come, first-served through the White House at who.nucleuspages.com/events/presidenttrumpmariettageorgia. A ticket does not guarantee admission.