The message “Impeach & Remove” created by people in the sand on the Pacific coast of San Francisco. Photo: Stephen Lam / AP
On Saturday, mass protests under the banner “Defend Democracy” took place in more than 200 US cities to protest against the policies of Donald Trump and his allies. From New York to San Francisco, from Denver to Anchorage, Americans gathered for rallies, marches and symbolic actions, accusing Trump of attempts to undermine democratic values and concentrate power. This was reported by AP.
In New York City, demonstrators carried banners reading “If not now, when?” and “No to the Czars” to commemorate the anniversary of the American Revolution. Columns of people marched from the Public Library through Central Park to Trump Tower, also opposing mass deportations and the policies of the US Immigration Service (ICE).
“No fear, no hatred, no ICE in our country!” the protesters chanted to the beat of the drums.
In San Francisco, on the Pacific coast, activists formed a large human circle with the words “Impeach & Remove” and in the centre of the circle, an American flag turned upside down, a symbol of danger to the nation. Similar flags flew in Denver, where hundreds of people gathered outside the Colorado State Capitol.
“This is a dangerous moment for freedom in America,” said Thomas Bassford, 80, of Maine, who took part in the re-enactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord near Boston. “I want my grandchildren to know what their ancestors fought for and understand that freedom has to be defended against people like Trump.”
Of particular concern is Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which allows for the deportation of foreigners in wartime without trial. Protesters say this is a direct violation of basic rights. “Everyone in this country has a right to a fair trial, regardless of their status,” said 61-year-old Marshall Green of New Jersey.
In many cities, the protest took the form of public mobilisation: activists held seminars, collected food for the needy, and volunteered in shelters.
In addition, protesters have organised actions near Tesla showrooms to protest against the political influence of Elon Musk, one of Donald Trump’s advisers, who, according to the organisers, is contributing to the reduction of the public sector.
The message of the rallies was clear: American society is not ready to give up and demands that the country’s constitutional order be protected from Trump.
