Thousands of demonstrators, predominantly women, took to the streets of Washington, D.C., on Saturday to protest against President-elect Donald Trump just two days before his inauguration. Organized as the People’s March, the rally marked a continuation of annual protests against Trump’s policies, a tradition that began in 2017.
Protesters assembled at three parks before marching to the Lincoln Memorial for the rally. Organizers had initially anticipated 50,000 participants, but approximately 5,000 showed up. Similar protests were also held in New York City and Seattle, highlighting widespread discontent among segments of the population.
The People’s March is driven by a coalition of groups advocating for various causes, including women’s rights, climate change, and immigration. According to its website, the movement seeks to challenge “Trumpism” through unified action. Brooke, one of the protesters, emphasized her support for abortion access and disappointment with the nation’s leadership. Another demonstrator, Kayla, described her emotions as a mix of anger and sadness.
The origins of the march trace back to Trump’s 2016 victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Following his first inauguration in 2017, millions of women across the United States protested, many wearing the iconic pink “pussy hats” in response to Trump’s controversial remarks about women. While the initial Women’s March drew massive crowds, subsequent events, including Saturday’s demonstration, have seen smaller turnouts.
Despite reduced participation, attendees remain committed to resisting Trump’s policies. Susie, a protester from San Francisco, traveled to Washington with her sister Anne to participate. Reflecting on the movement’s history, Susie highlighted the heightened stakes, noting Trump’s emboldened position with strong support from influential business sectors.
Anne acknowledged that the protesters represent a minority viewpoint, with Trump having won all seven swing states and the popular vote in the recent election. However, she emphasized the group’s resilience and determination to oppose what they see as harmful policies.
Trump, meanwhile, arrived in Washington on Saturday to kick off his inaugural celebrations, including a private event at his Virginia golf club. A small group of his supporters, donning red “Make America Great Again” hats, made an appearance near the Washington Monument, prompting confrontations with march leaders.
As Trump prepares to assume office, protesters vow to continue drawing from past successes to challenge his agenda. “We’re still here, and we will resist,” Anne affirmed, echoing the enduring spirit of the movement.