In brief
In a significant expression of dissent, thousands gathered in Washington D.C. on Saturday to protest against President-elect Donald Trump, only two days before his expected inauguration. This event, known as the People's March and previously recognized as the Women's March, has been a recurring event since 2017 aimed at addressing the challenges posed by "Trumpism."
While smaller in scale than previous years, the march still drew considerable attention, with smaller protests also occurring in New York City and Seattle. Despite an expected turnout of 50,000, approximately 5,000 participants converged at various parks before marching to the Lincoln Memorial to register their opposition to the incoming president. Organizers describe their coalition as diverse, bringing together individuals with intersecting identities and a range of concerns, including climate change, immigration, and women's rights. Protesters, such as Brooke and Kayla, articulated their frustrations, expressing disappointment in the current political climate while advocating for women's rights and abortion access. The initial Women's March in 2017 emerged in response to Trump's presidential victory over Hillary Clinton, attracting hundreds of thousands nationwide, though subsequent events have not matched that scale. As Trump arrived in the capital for inauguration festivities, the spirit of protest remained alive with supporters voicing their concerns. Although they faced opposition from a small group of Trump supporters, many of the protesters reiterated their commitment to resisting Trump's policies and agenda.Overall, the People's March reaffirmed the determination of many Americans to stand against what they see as threats to democracy and equality as the nation braces for Trump's leadership. Contributors to this article include Holly Honderich and Alex Lederman.
