Thousands of left wing demonstrators descend on Washington to protest Trump inauguration

Thousands of mainly female protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. to voice their opposition to President-elect Trump’s inauguration on Monday. However, the crowd size was significantly smaller compared to the half a million attendees at the 2017 Women’s March. The event, now rebranded as the “People’s March,” took place at three different locations with demonstrators advocating for a wide range of left-wing causes and presenting a united front against the new administration.

The kickoff event at Franklin Park focused on “gender justice” and bodily autonomy, with participants then marching downtown towards the Lincoln Memorial for the day’s main event. Activists expressed their concerns about the incoming Trump administration’s policy objectives and emphasized the need for solidarity and togetherness in the face of extremism.

Other protesters gathered at nearby parks, with groups focusing on democracy, immigration, and local Washington issues. Vendors sold buttons with slogans like #MeToo and “Love trumps hate,” as well as People’s March flags for $10. Demonstrators carried signs with messages such as “Feminists v. Fascists” and “People over politics.”

Despite a heavy police presence, law enforcement officials were not anticipating the violent scenes that occurred during the 2017 Inauguration Day protests, where over 200 people were arrested. The current resistance movement against Trump has seen a decrease in enthusiasm, with progressive voters expressing feelings of exhaustion and disappointment following Trump’s electoral victory.

The 2017 Women’s March, which took place the day after Trump’s inauguration, featured appearances by celebrities like Madonna, Katy Perry, and Scarlett Johansson. President-elect Trump is expected to leave Mar-a-Lago and head to Washington later in the day, with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and a “Make America Great Again” rally planned for Sunday.

Monday marks Inauguration Day, with Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance participating in a swearing-in ceremony that has been moved indoors due to the forecasted cold temperatures. The day will conclude with an evening reception and fireworks show at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

Overall, the People’s March on Washington served as a platform for activists to voice their opposition to the incoming administration’s policies and to stand in solidarity with various rights groups. Despite the smaller turnout compared to previous marches, the demonstrators remained dedicated to advocating for progressive causes and showcasing a united front against the new administration.