Tens of thousands demonstrated in Washington and other US cities, as well as in several European capitals, against the policies of President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk, who are leading efforts to cut public budgets.
Protesters held signs reading “Not my president,” “Fascism has arrived,” and “Stop the evil,” demanding an end to these policies that have sparked public discontent.
In the largest protests since Trump’s return to the presidency, demonstrators in Washington said they were concerned about his administration’s attempts to dismantle democratic institutions, violating checks and balances established to protect environmental and individual rights.
Trump has angered many Americans by downsizing government departments and pressuring friendly countries on trade terms, leading to a stock market plunge.
According to the protesters, the Democratic Party, which suffers from weakness in Congress, is powerless to resist Trump’s aggressive moves.
In Washington, more than 5,000 people gathered a few blocks from the White House on the National Mall, where activist Graylan Hagler told the crowd, “They’ve awakened a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen anything yet.”
He added, “We will not surrender, we will not rest, and we will not go away.”
While demonstrations were held in more than 1,000 towns and cities across the United States, protesters also gathered in European capitals such as London and Berlin, expressing concern about the repercussions of Trump’s policies on the global economy. “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” said Liz Chamberlain, a British-American citizen, in London.“It’s economic madness… It’s going to push us into a global recession.”
Recent polls have shown Trump’s approval ratings declining as he continues to impose aggressive changes both at home and abroad, sparking intense opposition. The White House has ignored the protests, with the president asserting that his policies “will never change.”
