Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in major US cities to protest the controversial policies of President Donald Trump, marking the largest protests since his return to office.
Opponents of the Republican president’s initiatives, including cuts to government staffing, trade tariffs, and the erosion of civil liberties, gathered in cities such as Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado, and Los Angeles.
In Washington, thousands of protesters traveled from all corners of the country to assemble on the National Mall, where numerous speakers rallied against President Trump.
“We have around 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration, which is alienating our allies worldwide and causing devastation to people here at home,” stated Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide.
In Los Angeles, a woman donned as a character from the dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” waved a sizable flag bearing the message: “Get out of my uterus,” in response to Trump’s anti-abortion policies.
A coalition of left-leaning organizations like MoveOn and Women’s March organized “Hands Off” events across more than 1,000 cities.
In Denver, Colorado, a man within a large crowd of protesters held a placard that read, “No king for USA.”
The protests even reached some European capitals, where demonstrators expressed their opposition to Donald Trump and his aggressive trade policies.
“What’s happening in America is a global concern,” Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen, remarked to AFP at a rally in London.
“It’s economic madness… He will lead us into a global recession,” she added.
In Berlin, 70-year-old retiree Susanne Fest claimed Mr. Trump had instigated “a constitutional crisis.”
In the US, a coalition of left-leaning organizations like MoveOn and Women’s March organized “Hands Off” events in over 1,000 cities and every congressional district, according to the groups.
Mr. Trump has irked many Americans by aggressively downsizing government, unilaterally imposing conservative values, and applying sharp pressure on even friendly nations concerning borders and trade, causing stock markets to decline.
Many Democrats are frustrated that their party, now in the minority in both houses, appears powerless to counter Trump’s actions.
At the National Mall, just blocks from the White House, thousands listened to speakers, including Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who served as impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment.
“No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who understands the price of everything but values nothing,” he told the crowd.
Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, also spoke at the protest, asserting: “They’ve awakened a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen anything yet.”
“We will not sit down, we will not be silenced, and we will not disappear.”
The demonstrations remained largely peaceful, creating an uplifting atmosphere on a mild day in Washington, with participants ranging from the elderly to young couples with infants in strollers.
A Women’s March shortly after Trump’s initial election in 2016 attracted an estimated half-million protesters to Washington.
Organizers for the recent Washington rally initially anticipated 20,000 attendees but later indicated that the turnout appeared significantly larger.
President Trump’s approval rating has reached its lowest point since he took office, according to recent polls.
However, despite the global backlash against his sweeping tariffs and increasing discontent among many Americans, the White House has dismissed the protests.
The Republican president, who remains popular among his base, shows no signs of backing down.
“My policies will never change,” Mr. Trump stated on Friday.
