Protesters condemn what they view as a threat to the country’s democratic ideals.
Opponents in President Donald Trump’s administration have taken them to the streets of many across the United States to condemn what they say is a threat to the country’s democratic ideals, such as deporting immigrants and massive shootings of government workers.
Saturday’s protests ranged from a rally in midtown Manhattan, in front of the White House in Washington, to a demonstration in Massachusetts commemoration marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War 250 years ago.
The protest came just two weeks after similar nationwide protests against the Trump administration attracted thousands of participants.
Organizers said they are protesting what they consider to be a violation of Trump’s civil rights and the US Constitution, including efforts to reduce the federal government by deporting hundreds of immigrants, firing thousands of government workers and effectively shutting down the entire agency.
In Manhattan, protesters opposed the continued deportation of immigrants from the stairs of the New York Public Library.
“There is no fear, no hatred, no ice in our state,” they chanted, referring to our immigration and customs enforcement.
Thomas Basford drove from Maine to Massachusetts and witnessed the battle between Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and the reenactment of “Shots depicted the world.”
The 80-year-old retiree said he believes Americans today are under attack by their government and need to oppose it. “This is a very dangerous time in America for freedom,” he told the Associated Press, “I wanted you to learn about the origins of this country and sometimes you have to fight for freedom.”
Elsewhere, protests were planned outside Tesla’s car dealerships against billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk, and others who organized community service events such as food drives, teaching ins and volunteers at local shelters, planned his role in downsizing the federal government.
Some events were portrayed in the spirit of American revolutionary wars, sought “kings” and resistance to tyranny.
George Bryant, a Boston resident, was among those found out in Concord. He told The Associated Press that he was concerned that Trump is creating a “police state” in the United States.
The Trump administration has moved, among other things, to close the Social Security Administration’s field office, cut funding for government health programs, and reduce protections for transgender people.
In Washington, D.C., Bob Fassick said he came to rallies outside the White House due to concerns about constitutionally protected due-process rights, as well as threats to Social Security and other federal safety net programs.
“If I don’t do anything, if everyone doesn’t do anything to change the world we collectively leave behind for our little ones, I can’t sit still because our neighbors aren’t the things I want to live in,” said the 76-year-old retired federal employee in Springfield, Virginia.