Large crowds took to the streets across the United States and beyond on Saturday, protesting President Donald Trump’s administration in what organizers say were the biggest demonstrations since his return to office.
Rallies were held in cities including Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Houston. Protesters denounced Trump’s approach to immigration, civil liberties, and foreign policy, as well as his push to slash government programs.
“I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes,” said Shaina Kesner, 43, a New York artist. “A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great.”
In D.C., thousands gathered on the National Mall. “We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration,” said Diane Kolifrath, 64. “They’re gutting our government.”
Symbolic imagery was everywhere — from “Handmaid’s Tale” costumes in Los Angeles to placards reading “No king for USA” in Denver.
International protests also took place. In London, Liz Chamberlin said, “It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.” Meanwhile, in Berlin, retiree Susanne Fest called Trump “a lunatic.”
The “Hands Off” protests were led by progressive groups like MoveOn and Women’s March and took place in over 1,000 locations nationwide.
“We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism,” said Dominic Santella in Boston.
Back in Washington, Representative Jamie Raskin addressed the crowd: “No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
Activist Graylan Hagler added, “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant… We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
Despite the demonstrations and declining approval ratings, Trump remains defiant. “My policies will never change,” he said Friday.
