Protests Erupt in Washington Ahead of Trump's Inauguration

A rally against Donald Trump's presidency took place in Washington, revealing public sentiment ahead of his inauguration.

On a chilly Saturday, thousands of demonstrators, predominantly women, flooded the streets of Washington DC in a demonstration against President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his anticipated inauguration. The event, branded as the People’s March—formerly known as the Women’s March—continued a tradition that began in 2017, aimed at addressing "Trumpism" as detailed on the event’s website. Besides Washington DC, protests took place in cities such as New York City and Seattle as Trump prepared for his inauguration events.

This year’s turnout in Washington was notably smaller than previous years, with only about 5,000 attendees compared to the expected 50,000. The marchers congregated at three parks before proceeding to the Lincoln Memorial for their rally. The collective represented a coalition of groups dedicated to various causes, including climate change, immigration rights, and women's rights, all unified under the mission to oppose Trump’s presidency through effective activism and historical strategies against authoritarianism.

The atmosphere shifted slightly when a handful of pro-Trump supporters appeared near the Washington Monument, creating a juxtaposition of sentiments at the gathering. Timothy Wallis, a Trump supporter who was attending the rally, expressed a sense of confusion about the discord in the nation, albeit acknowledging the protesters’ right to voice their grievances.

The first People’s March emerged following Trump's triumph over Hillary Clinton in 2016, with the subsequent marches gaining momentum nationwide, featuring millions of women donning striking pink "pussy hats," a nod to controversial remarks made by Trump. However, numbers have dwindled since that inaugural march, and this latest rally signified a shift in momentum and strategy among activists.

As participants voiced diverse motivations for attending the march, their frustrations centered on health and education policies among others. Attendee Brooke expressed her concern over abortion rights, feeling defeated by the recent political climate, while Kayla shared feelings of anger and sadness towards the outcome of the elections.

Two women, Susie and Anne, who traveled from the Bay Area to attend, hope that the spirit of resistance continues. They remember the larger crowds from 2017 and feel that the stakes have escalated with Trump's presidency now emboldened by wealth and influence. Anne remarked on the disconnect certain groups might have with broader America, yet highlighted the enduring commitment to resist.

As Trump arrived in Washington for the weekend’s festivities, the being-named challenges and voices raised in dissent from the People’s March illustrated an ongoing struggle against a backdrop of changing political landscapes.