In brief
On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, thousands of protesters, primarily women, marched in Washington DC during the annual People's March to express their discontent with Trump and his policies, signaling continued resistance to his administration.
Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Washington DC on Saturday, protesting against President-elect Donald Trump just two days before his inauguration. The rally, branded the People's March, previously known as the Women's March, has been an annual event since 2017. This year, the march was organized by a diverse coalition aimed at tackling "Trumpism," according to their official platform. Concurrent smaller protests also emerged in cities like New York and Seattle, coinciding with Trump’s arrival in the capital for scheduled inaugural events. Despite organizers expecting a turnout of around 50,000 people, only about 5,000 protesters assembled at several parks before marching towards the Lincoln Memorial for a concluding rally. The coalition emphasizes various intersecting identities and concerns, addressing issues from climate change to women's rights. Many protesters expressed personal motivations for attending the event. One participant, Brooke, voiced her distress over the current political climate, lamenting the lack of a female candidate and advocating for abortion rights. Kayla, another demonstrator, described her emotions as a blend of anger, sadness, and being overwhelmed by recent political developments. The inception of the People's March followed Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016, with millions mobilizing the day after his first inauguration. The movement gained notoriety for its symbolic 'pussy hats' worn by demonstrators, a nod to Trump's controversial comments about women. Although attendance has dwindled in subsequent years, the event remains a cornerstone of the resistance against Trump’s policies.On the same day, Trump began his inaugural festivities with a private gathering near his golf club in Virginia. Amid the protests, a small contingent of Trump supporters gathered at the Washington Monument. One supporter, Timothy Wallis, acknowledged the right of the marchers to protest but expressed confusion over the animosity. Among the attendees was Susie, who traveled from San Francisco to demonstrate alongside her sister Anne. They reminisced about the larger turnout of 2017, expressing hope that despite the smaller crowd, their presence matters. They asserted that the stakes have risen under Trump's presidency, and vowed to continue their resistance. As the nation braces for Trump's swearing-in ceremony on Monday, the People's March underscores the ongoing division and passionate opposition to his administration.
