Thousands Rally in Washington in Protest Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

Er Mukesh Singh

Thousands of mostly female protesters gathered in Washington DC on Saturday, making their voices heard just two days ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The rally, called the People’s March – formerly known as the Women’s March – marked the latest edition of the annual protest that has occurred every year since 2017.

The movement, which is organized by a coalition of groups, has a clear mission: to confront what they term “Trumpism.” This rally, part of a broader nationwide outcry, was not confined to the capital. Smaller demonstrations against Trump were also held in New York City and Seattle, highlighting the nationwide opposition to his presidency.

The timing of the protests was significant, coinciding with Trump’s arrival in Washington DC for a series of weekend events leading up to his swearing-in ceremony on Monday. Protesters voiced their concerns about his policies, rhetoric, and the direction they believed his leadership could take the nation, especially on issues related to women’s rights, healthcare, and social justice.

The People’s March has become an iconic event in the years following Trump’s 2017 inauguration, with demonstrators marching in solidarity to voice dissent and demand accountability from the new administration.

Saturday’s People’s March in Washington DC saw smaller participation compared to previous years but still attracted thousands of demonstrators. The marchers gathered at three designated parks across the city before marching to the Lincoln Memorial, where the rally culminated. Despite the reduced turnout, the event continued to serve as a platform for protest against President-elect Donald Trump, with attendees expressing concerns about his policies and leadership. The march remains a significant occasion for those opposing Trump’s presidency, uniting people in their demand for change and social justice.

The groups behind the People’s March describe themselves as representing a wide range of identities and causes, including climate change, immigration, and women’s rights. Participants in the march in Washington expressed diverse reasons for their protest, reflecting the broad spectrum of issues that unite them.

Brooke, one of the protestors, emphasized her concern for abortion access and expressed disappointment over the election’s outcome, lamenting the lack of a female candidate. “I’m really not happy with the way our country’s voted,” she shared. “I’m really sad that our country’s leaned towards a president that’s already failed us once and that we did not nominate a female candidate.”

Kayla, another protester, shared a mix of emotions that compelled her to join the rally: “Honestly, I’m just mad, I’m sad, I’m overwhelmed.” This sentiment captures the emotional intensity of the protest, which many participants felt was necessary in response to the direction the country was taking under Trump’s leadership.

The first People’s March was organized in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. In response to his inauguration in January 2017, women across the United States took to the streets, with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathering in Washington DC. The protest quickly grew into a nationwide movement, with millions of women across the US joining in. Participants carried signs denouncing Trump and wore the now-iconic pink knit “pussy hats” as a nod to the infamous 2005 recording in which Trump boasted about grabbing women by the genitals.

The Women’s March became a central component of the so-called “resistance” to Trump’s policies, with annual protests serving as a platform for various causes such as women’s rights, racial justice, and opposition to the president’s actions. However, the subsequent marches, while still significant, have not seen the same scale of participation as the initial protest.

Meanwhile, Trump arrived in Washington DC on Saturday to kick off his inaugural festivities, starting with a private event that featured a fireworks display at his golf club in the Virginia suburbs. Despite the protests, Trump’s preparations for the inauguration continued, marking the beginning of his second term as president.

The organizers of the People’s March emphasized their commitment to confronting President Trump by “drawing on past successes and effective strategies against autocrats.” As the march unfolded in Washington DC, a small group of Trump supporters gathered at the Washington Monument. When demonstrators in “Make America Great Again” hats were noticed, one leader from the People’s March approached them, chanting, “No Trump, no KKK,” in a display of opposition.

One of the men, Timothy Wallis, who was among the Trump supporters, spoke to the Associated Press, explaining that he and his friends had simply bought the Trump hats from a street vendor. Wallis, 58, from Pocatello, Idaho, acknowledged that the protesters had “every right” to express their views. However, he also expressed his confusion over the animosity, stating, “It’s sad where we’re at as a country.” His comments reflected the stark divide in the nation’s political landscape as tensions surrounding Trump’s presidency continued to simmer.

In Washington for the People’s March, Susie, who traveled from the San Francisco area, joined her sister Anne to demonstrate against President Trump’s policies. The two had also participated in the Women’s March after Trump’s first inauguration, donning their iconic “pussy hats” once again this year.

Susie reflected on the massive crowds from 2017, expressing hope that people would continue to take to the streets in resistance. “This time the stakes are higher,” she said, noting how Trump appeared emboldened by support from the billionaire and tech classes.

Anne, however, acknowledged that the protesters might be seen as “out of touch” with much of America, as Trump had won all seven key swing states in the previous election. Despite this, she emphasized their unwavering commitment: “We’re still here, and we will resist.” This sentiment highlighted the ongoing divide in the country, with many protesters vowing to continue pushing back against the policies and rhetoric of the Trump administration.

Courtesy: ABC News (Australia)

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