PROTESTS IN WASHINGTON AHEAD OF TRUMP’S INAUGURATION
WASHINGTON: On Saturday, thousands of people took to the streets of Washington in protest against the policies of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, just two days before Trump returns to the Oval Office.
The "People’s March" was organized by a group of civil rights and social justice organizations, including those responsible for the Women’s March, which brought hundreds of thousands to the capital following Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.
Participants focused on various concerns they believe are threatened under Trump’s leadership, such as abortion rights, climate change, gun violence prevention, and immigrant rights.
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The atmosphere was vibrant, with bright signs and many participants sporting pink "pussy hats," reminiscent of the 2017 event. Marchers gathered in three parks before marching to the Lincoln Memorial for a rally.
“This legislation puts lives at risk. Women are dying,” said Aisha Becker-Burrowes, a protester, her voice almost drowned out by the crowd chanting, “My body, my choice.”
Susan Dutwells, a 60-year-old from Florida, attended the protest with her daughter. She expressed her fears and anger about Trump’s impending return to power. “So many people seem to be voting against their own interests. I just don’t get it,” she shared with reporters.
Carine, a 40-year-old protester from Arizona who chose not to provide her last name, voiced her worries about what a second Trump term might bring but emphasized her commitment to remain involved. “I want to stay hopeful. Being around so many people feels great. I’ll keep fighting when I go back home,” she said, noting it was her first protest in the capital.
Sarah Kong, a 31-year-old psychiatrist from Colorado, joined the march with her mother and echoed a similar hopeful sentiment. “This is my first time marching, and I’d love to do it again. I feel inspired by the crowd. I believe in a better future, even though I’m scared,” Kong remarked. “These are crucial times.”
Sister marches were also taking place across the country, including in New York.
This mass gathering came after Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border enforcement chief, hinted at imminent significant immigration raids following Trump’s inauguration on Monday. Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election, is preparing to take swift action to deport millions of undocumented immigrants upon his return.
