Global Protests Against Trump’s Policies
Thousands of people were descending Saturday on Washington’s National Mall and other cities across America in opposition to the policies of Donald Trump, in the largest protests since he returned to the White House.
International Rallies
At a time of spreading global resentment against the Republican president, rallies took place earlier in international capitals including Paris, Rome, and London.
US Protests
A loose US coalition of dozens of left-leaning groups like MoveOn and Women’s March organized "Hands Off" events in more than 1,000 towns and cities and in every congressional district, the groups say.
Unifying Theme
The unifying theme: the growing resentment of what the group Indivisible has called "the most brazen power grab in modern history," led by Trump, his advisor Elon Musk "and their billionaire cronies."
Trump’s Policies
Trump has angered many Americans by moving aggressively to downsize the government, impose his conservative values, and sharply pressure even friendly countries over trade terms — causing stock markets to tank.
Indivisible’s Statement
"Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights — enabled by Congress every step of the way," Indivisible said on its website.
Democrat’s Reaction
Many Democrats are irate that their party, in the minority in both the House of Representatives and Senate, has seemed so helpless to resist Trump’s aggressive moves.
Upcoming Protests
The largest protest Saturday is expected to take place starting at noon (1600 GMT) just blocks from the White House, on the National Mall in Washington, with prominent Democrats including Representative Jamie Raskin set to address the crowd. Separately, a March for Palestine has been scheduled in Washington around the same time.
Turning Point
Saturday’s demonstrations could offer a temperature reading of just how hot voters’ feelings are. A Women’s March protest shortly after Trump’s first election in 2016 drew an estimated half-million people to Washington; advance estimates for Saturday’s turnout have been far smaller.
Trump’s Approval Rating
As Trump continues aggressively shaking things up in Washington and beyond, his approval rating has fallen to its lowest since taking office, according to recent polling. But despite pushback around the globe to his sweeping imposition of tariffs, and bubbling resentment from many Americans, the White House has dismissed the protests, and the Republican president has given no sign of relenting. "My policies will never change," he said Friday.
Conclusion
The protests are a clear indication of the growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies and actions. As the demonstrations continue, it remains to be seen how the president will respond and whether his approval rating will continue to decline.
FAQs
Q: What is the main reason for the protests?
A: The main reason for the protests is the growing resentment of Trump’s policies and actions, including his attempts to downsize the government, impose his conservative values, and sharply pressure friendly countries over trade terms.
Q: How many protests are taking place across the US?
A: More than 1,000 protests are taking place across the US, in every congressional district and in over 1,000 towns and cities.
Q: What is the expected turnout for the largest protest in Washington?
A: The expected turnout for the largest protest in Washington is expected to be smaller than the Women’s March protest in 2016, which drew an estimated half-million people.
Q: How has Trump responded to the protests?
A: Trump has dismissed the protests and given no sign of relenting, stating that his policies will never change.