Thousands of Americans protested against Donald Trump on Saturday, including a large demonstration in Washington, marking the first major mobilisation since the billionaire’s return to power at the end of January.
From Boston in the northeast to Houston in the south, and from Florida in the southeast to Colorado in the west, various leftist citizen movements called for protests against what they describe as the Republican president’s “power grab”.
One of the main gatherings took place at the National Mall, a vast expanse between the Capitol and the Washington Monument obelisk, just a short distance from the White House, in a festive atmosphere.
Thousands gathered there around midday, holding placards with messages such as “Hands off Social Security” and “Fascism has arrived,” as well as American flags flown upside down – originally a military distress signal now turned into a symbol of political protest.
Organisers had expected 20,000 people in the federal capital but claimed on Saturday afternoon that participation was much higher.
In addition to large groups of retirees, particularly from public service, many young people, including children with their parents, also attended. “Democracy is not for sale,” read one sign held by a father with his son in a stroller.
Several prominent Democrats spoke at the event. “No morally conscious person wants a dictator wrecking the economy, someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” said Representative Jamie Raskin.
Since his return to the White House on January 20, Donald Trump has invoked popular legitimacy to justify his all-encompassing interventionism, adhering to a maximalist view of executive authority.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They seize whatever they can and dare the world to stop them,” read a statement on the website of Indivisible, one of the organising movements. “On Saturday, April 5, we are taking to the streets across the country to resist with a clear message: hands off!” the statement concluded.
