Washington, United States:
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in major US cities on Saturday to protest against President Donald Trump’s divisive policies, marking the largest protests since his return to the White House.
Opponents of the Republican president’s policies, ranging from government staffing cuts to trade tariffs and erosion of civil liberties, gathered in cities like Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado, and Los Angeles.
“I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes. A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great,” said Shaina Kesner, a New York painter, as she marched through Manhattan.
In Washington, thousands of demonstrators from across the US assembled on the National Mall to voice their opposition to Trump’s administration.
“We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration that is causing us to lose our allies across the world, and causing devastation to people here at home,” said Diane Kolifrath, a bike tour guide.
The protests extended to European capitals as well, with demonstrators expressing their discontent with Trump’s policies and trade actions.
Back in the US, left-leaning groups organized “Hands Off” events in over 1,000 cities and every congressional district.
Anger
Protesters voiced their anger over Trump’s government downsizing, conservative values, and aggressive foreign policies.
“We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism,” said Dominic Santella in Boston. “We’re stopping a leader from jailing his opponents, stopping him from jailing random people, immigrants.”
Many are frustrated with the Democratic party’s seeming inability to resist Trump’s actions despite being the minority in Congress.
Speakers at the National Mall denounced Trump’s policies, with Representative Jamie Raskin calling him an “economy-crashing dictator.”
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, with a diverse group of protesters participating.
Organizers had expected 20,000 attendees in Washington, but the turnout exceeded expectations.
Trump’s approval rating has dropped, and there is growing resentment towards his policies, but the White House remains defiant.
“My policies will never change,” Trump declared.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
