Washington (Web Desk): Large crowds gathered in Washington, D.C on Saturday and various cities across the United States to voice their opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump.
The protests marked the largest demonstrations since Trump returned to the presidency, with thousands of people taking to the streets. Protesters held up signs with messages like "Not My President," "Fascism has Arrived," and "Stop Evil," as well as a large banner reading “HANDS OFF!” prominently displayed on a stage near the White House.
Among the protesters was 66-year-old Jane Ellen Saums, who expressed deep concern over the Trump administration’s actions, particularly its erosion of democratic institutions. Dressed as Mother Nature, she symbolized the environmental and social issues many felt were being overlooked or destroyed.
Saums and others voiced their fears that vital checks and balances within the government were being undermined, from environmental protections to personal rights.
The protests were part of a broader, coordinated effort by a range of progressive organizations, including MoveOn and Women’s March.
Over 1,000 towns and cities hosted events, with the unifying message focusing on resistance to what many saw as an aggressive power grab by the president and his allies, such as Elon Musk.
The group Indivisible described Trump’s actions as a direct assault on democracy, the economy, and individual freedoms, calling out the complicity of Congress in enabling these changes.
The growing dissatisfaction among many Americans was palpable, particularly among Democrats who felt increasingly powerless to resist Trump’s sweeping reforms.
In Washington, D.C, more than 5,000 people gathered near the National Mall to hear speeches from prominent figures, including Representative Jamie Raskin.
Activists, like 71-year-old Graylan Hagler, delivered impassioned speeches about standing firm against what they viewed as an unjust administration, vowing to continue fighting for their rights.
The protest coincided with a March for Palestine, offering a snapshot of public sentiment and the intensity of opposition to Trump’s policies.
While turnout for these demonstrations was significant, it did not match the scale of the Women’s March following Trump’s election in 2016, suggesting a slightly less widespread but still fervent mobilization of opposition.
Despite the rising protests and Trump’s approval ratings hitting a new low, the White House dismissed the protests as nothing more than noise.
Trump himself showed no signs of shifting course, reiterating that his policies would remain unchanged, regardless of public opposition or global criticism.
His steadfastness in the face of mounting resistance only deepened the divide between his administration and its critics, making it clear that the struggle between the president and those opposed to his agenda would continue to define the political landscape.