Anti-Trump Protests Across the Country

Introduction to the Protests

Opponents of President Donald Trump’s administration took to the streets of communities large and small across the U.S. on Saturday, decrying what they see as threats to the nation’s democratic ideals. Within the Capital Region, protests were held in Troy, Albany, Saratoga Springs, and other locations.

Protests in Various Cities

The disparate events ranged from a march through midtown Manhattan and a rally in front of the White House to a demonstration at a Massachusetts commemoration of “the shot heard ’round the world” on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the Revolutionary War 250 years ago.

Thomas Bassford was among the demonstrators at the reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord outside Boston. The 80-year-old retired mason from Maine said he believes Americans are under attack from their own government and need to stand up against it.

Concerns About Liberty

“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” said Bassford, who was with his partner, daughter, and two grandsons. “I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”

Protests in Denver and Portland

In Denver, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Colorado State Capitol with banners expressing solidarity with immigrants and telling the Trump administration: “Hands Off!” People waved U.S. flags, some of them held upside down to signal distress. Thousands of people also marched through downtown Portland, Oregon, while in San Francisco, hundreds spelled out the words “Impeach & Remove” on a sandy beach along the Pacific Ocean, also with an inverted U.S. flag.

Other Protests Across the Country

People walked through downtown Anchorage, Alaska, with handmade signs listing reasons why they were demonstrating, including one that read: “No sign is BIG enough to list ALL of the reasons I’m here!” Elsewhere protests were planned outside Tesla car dealerships against billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk and his role in downsizing the federal government. Others organized more community service-oriented events such as food drives, teach-ins, and volunteering at local shelters.

Reasons Behind the Protests

The protests come just two weeks after similar nationwide demonstrations. Organizers say they oppose what they call Trump’s civil rights violations and constitutional violations, including efforts to deport scores of immigrants and to scale back the federal government by firing thousands of government workers and effectively shuttering entire agencies.

Historical Context

Some of the events drew on the spirit of the Revolutionary War, calling for “no kings” and resistance to tyranny. In Anchorage, a colonial reenactor in colonial garb held up a “No Kings” sign while the person next to him hoisted cardboard that read in part: “The Feudal Age is OVER.”

Concerns About Fascism

Boston resident George Bryant, who was among those at the Concord protest, said he is concerned that the president is creating a “police state.” He held a sign saying, “Trump fascist regime must go now!” “He’s defying the courts. He’s kidnapping students. He’s eviscerating the checks and balances,” Bryant said. “This is fascism.”

Protests in Washington and Other Cities

In Washington, Bob Fasick, a 76-year-old retired federal employee from Springfield, Virginia, said he came out to the rally near the White House out of concern over threats to constitutionally protected due process rights, Social Security, and other federal safety-net programs. The Trump administration, among other things, has moved to shutter Social Security Administration field offices, cut funding for government health programs, and scale back protections for transgender people.

Concerns About the Future

“I cannot sit still knowing that if I don’t do anything and everybody doesn’t do something to change this, that the world that we collectively are leaving for the little children, for our neighbors is simply not one that I would want to live,” Fasick said. In Columbia, South Carolina, several hundred people protested at the statehouse holding signs with slogans such as “Fight Fiercely, Harvard, Fight.”

Conclusion

The protests across the country demonstrate a strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policies and actions, with many expressing concerns about the erosion of democratic ideals, civil rights, and constitutional protections. The diverse range of protests, from marches to community service events, shows a widespread desire for change and a commitment to standing up against what many see as threats to American values.

FAQs

• Q: What were the protests about?
  A: The protests were against President Donald Trump’s administration, focusing on issues like civil rights violations, constitutional violations, and the treatment of immigrants.
• Q: Where did the protests take place?
  A: Protests occurred in various cities across the U.S., including New York, Washington, Denver, Portland, San Francisco, and others.
• Q: What were some of the specific concerns expressed by protesters?
  A: Protesters expressed concerns about fascism, the creation of a "police state," threats to due process, Social Security, and other federal safety-net programs.
• Q: How did the protests relate to historical events?
  A: Some protests drew on the spirit of the Revolutionary War, calling for resistance to tyranny and emphasizing the importance of fighting for freedom and democratic ideals.