On Saturday, opponents of President Donald Trump’s administration united in various cities across the United States, protesting what they perceive as significant threats to the nation’s democratic principles.
These diverse demonstrations included a march through midtown Manhattan, a rally outside the White House, and a gathering in Massachusetts, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
Protesters in San Francisco creatively formed a human banner on Ocean Beach that proclaimed “Impeach & Remove,” sending a clear message to those who support Trump’s policies.
Over in Portland, more than 1,000 participants congregated at Pioneer Courthouse Square before marching through Southwest Broadway Avenue.
The event temporarily blocked traffic, but the atmosphere was often celebratory, characterized by live performances from both tuba and trumpet musicians under the bright blue sky.
Many in attendance carried signs protesting the deportation of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian citizen who was returned to his home country despite a legal injunction against his removal.
One sign read, “Hands off our due process!” underlining the sentiments of those who feel that judicial orders are being disregarded by the Trump administration.
In a historic setting just outside Boston, demonstrators gathered at the reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the iconic events that initiated the American Revolution in 1775.
Among those protesting was Thomas Bassford, an 80-year-old retired mason from Maine, who expressed his belief that American civil liberties are currently under siege from their own government.
“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” Bassford stated, explaining he wanted his grandchildren to understand the sacrifices made for freedom and the need to defend it.
In addition to large marches, protests were also planned at Tesla car dealerships, targeting billionaire advisor Elon Musk and his influence over Trump’s reduction of government operations.
Some activists organized community-service initiatives, including food drives and teach-ins, aiming to contribute positively to their local areas while also expressing dissent.
These protests followed a series of nationwide demonstrations two weeks prior, during which thousands rallied against President Trump’s administration.
Organizers articulated their grievances as stemming from what they describe as civil and constitutional rights violations by Trump, particularly in regards to the deportation of immigrants and extensive downsizing of the federal government, which has involved the dismissal of thousands of workers.
Many protestors echoed themes reminiscent of the American Revolutionary War, advocating for a rejection of tyranny and asserting a desire for no authoritative rule.
In Concord, Massachusetts, protester George Bryant expressed concern over the creation of a “police state” under Trump, holding up a sign that declared, “Trump fascist regime must go now!”
“He’s defying the courts. He’s kidnapping students. He’s eviscerating the checks and balances,” Bryant remarked, invoking strong language to underline his fear of authoritarian governance.
In the nation’s capital, participant Bob Fasick radiated similar concerns regarding potential threats to constitutionally protected rights, including those tied to Social Security and other crucial government programs.
Fasick, a retired federal employee from Springfield, Virginia, emphasized the need for collective action to ensure a livable future for the next generation.
“I cannot sit still knowing that if I don’t do anything and everybody doesn’t do something to change this, that the world we’re leaving for our children is simply not one I want to live in,” he commented.
Protesters in Manhattan aligned their efforts against ongoing immigrant deportations during their march, carrying signs and chanting, “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state,” as they passed by prominent sites like Trump Tower.
Marshall Green, one of the marchers, expressed his apprehension over the potential misuse of the wartime Alien Enemies Act, which Trump invoked in relation to alleged conflicts with Venezuelan gangs.
Green contended that Congress should take a stand against the administration’s claims of wartime authority, asserting the right to due process for all individuals within the country, regardless of their immigration status.
Meanwhile, Melinda Charles from Connecticut voiced her concerns over Trump’s perceived “executive overreach,” highlighting clashes he has had with federal courts and his dealings with elite academic institutions.
“We’re supposed to have three equal branches of government, and to have the executive branch become so strong is just unbelievable,” she lamented, encapsulating the fears of many protesters who seek to safeguard the principles of democracy amidst a tumultuous political climate.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/04/anti-trump-protesters-rally-in-cities-across-the-country-including-nyc-portland.html
