Tariff: Tens of thousands march against Trump in US
On Saturday, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of major cities across the United States to express their opposition to the controversial policies of President Donald Trump, marking the largest protests since his return to the White House.
Critics of the Republican president's agenda—ranging from cuts in government staffing to trade tariffs and the erosion of civil liberties—gathered in locations such as Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado, and Los Angeles.
“I am filled with anger and frustration all the time. A group of privileged, white alleged rapists is in control of our country. It’s unacceptable,” stated Shaina Kesner, a 43-year-old painter from New York, as she marched through Manhattan.
In Washington, thousands of protesters, many traveling from various parts of the country, assembled on the National Mall, where numerous speakers voiced their dissent against Trump.
“We have around 100 individuals who have traveled by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest this outrageous administration, which is causing us to lose allies globally and inflicting harm on people here at home,” remarked Diane Kolifrath, a 64-year-old bike tour guide. “They are dismantling our government.”
In Los Angeles, a woman donned as a character from the dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” waved a large flag proclaiming: “Get out of my uterus,” in reference to Trump’s anti-abortion stance.
In Denver, Colorado, a protester in a large crowd held a sign that read “No king for USA.”
The protests even reached some European capitals, where demonstrators expressed their disapproval of Trump and his aggressive trade policies.
“What’s happening in America affects everyone,” said Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen, during a rally in London. “It’s economic madness… He is leading us toward a global recession.”
In Berlin, 70-year-old retiree Susanne Fest commented that Trump has created “a constitutional crisis,” adding, “The man is a lunatic.”
In the United States, a diverse coalition of progressive organizations, including MoveOn and the Women’s March, has coordinated “Hands Off” events across over 1,000 cities and every congressional district, according to the groups involved.
Frustration
President Trump has incited significant frustration among many Americans by aggressively pursuing government downsizing, imposing conservative ideologies unilaterally, and exerting intense pressure on even allied nations regarding borders and trade, which has led to a decline in stock markets.
“We are here to combat what can only be described as fascism,” protester Dominic Santella stated to AFP in Boston. “We aim to prevent a leader from imprisoning his opponents and targeting random individuals, including immigrants.”
Many Democrats are frustrated that, as the minority party in both chambers of Congress, they appear powerless to counter Trump’s actions.
At the National Mall, just a short distance from the White House, thousands gathered to hear speakers, including Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who acted as impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial.
“No ethical individual desires a dictator who can crash the economy and understands the cost of everything but the value of nothing,” he declared to the audience.
Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, also spoke at the protest, asserting: “They have awakened a sleeping giant, and they have yet to see the full extent of our response. We will not be silenced, we will not back down, and we will not disappear.”
In related news, more than 50 countries have approached U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss tariffs following his recent announcement of extensive tariff measures, as stated by Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council (NEC).
While he did not specify the countries involved, Hassett noted, “They are reaching out because they recognize that they are significantly affected by the tariffs.”
In an interview with ABC News, he acknowledged that there might be a slight increase in prices due to the new tariffs, but he does not anticipate a substantial burden on American consumers.
He also remarked that President Trump’s announcement was not intended to coerce the US Central Bank into reducing interest rates by inciting market instability.
This comment came after Trump suggested that “now would be the perfect time” for the central bank to lower rates.
“He’s not attempting to destabilize the market; he’s focused on benefiting American workers,” Hassett stated.
Regarding the exclusion of Russia from the tariff discussions, the NEC director expressed that it was “not appropriate” to impose new tariffs on Russia while negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine are ongoing.
The demonstrations on Saturday were predominantly peaceful. A positive atmosphere characterized the mild day in Washington, with participants ranging from senior citizens to young couples with infants in strollers.
A Women’s March following Trump’s initial election in 2016 attracted an estimated half a million protesters to Washington.
The organizers of the recent rally in Washington had anticipated a turnout of 20,000, but by Saturday afternoon, they noted that the actual number seemed significantly higher.
As Trump continues to disrupt the political landscape in Washington, his approval rating has dropped to its lowest point since he assumed office, according to recent surveys.
However, despite international backlash against his extensive tariffs and growing discontent among many Americans, the White House has downplayed the protests.
The Republican president, who remains popular among his supporters, shows no indication of backing down.
“My policies will remain unchanged,” Trump declared on Friday.
