In one of the largest demonstrations since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, tens of thousands flooded major U.S. cities to protest a range of policies seen as undermining key national institutions.
Gatherings in Washington, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and more saw protesters rally at iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument at the National Mall. Demonstrators voiced concerns over government staffing cuts, trade tariffs, immigration policies, education reforms and alleged curbs on civil liberties.
Terry Klein, a retired biomedical scientist from Princeton, New Jersey, explained that the protest was a direct response to what she sees as attacks on the pillars that make America unique. Similarly, Wayne Hoffman, a retired money manager from West Cape May, New Jersey, warned that current tariff regimes were not only impacting farmers and jobs, but also jeopardizing the financial stability of everyday people.
In Denver, a protester held a placard proclaiming "No king for USA," symbolizing the growing resistance against what many interpret as authoritarian impulses. Left-leaning groups including MoveOn and Women's March fueled the momentum, coordinating events in over 1,000 cities and every congressional district nationwide.
The protest wave resonated beyond U.S. borders. In European capitals like London and Berlin, demonstrators expressed solidarity, with dual U.S.-British citizen Liz Chamberlin remarking, "What's happening in America is everyone's problem."
Political figures and activists joined the chorus of dissent. Representative Jamie Raskin, known for his role as an impeachment manager, stated, "No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." Veteran activist Graylan Hagler added, "They've woken up a sleeping giant, and they haven't seen nothing yet."
With President Trump’s approval ratings hitting historic lows, these protests underscore a call for accountability, reform and a reevaluation of policies that have sparked both domestic unrest and global concern.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
