Washington: Millions of Americans have taken to the streets across the country in what is believed to be the largest co-ordinated demonstration against US President Donald Trump and his government since he took office in January.
More than 2600 rallies were planned nationwide on Saturday, US time, with protesters decrying what they believe to be an authoritarian, anti-democratic administration that has sidelined the Constitution, due process, equality and fairness.
In the capital, Washington, DC, multiple marches converged on Pennsylvania Avenue, the grand boulevard that links the US Capitol with the White House and many of the nation’s most important institutions.
Thousands carried signs denouncing Trump, or dressed up to illustrate their point. One man dressed as God walked down the National Mall saying “no Trumps in heaven”, while another was dressed as a baby version of Trump, painted in orange, wearing a nappy and carrying a king’s sceptre.
Andy Ravenna and Kevin Rehac of nearby Arlington, Virginia, carried signs that said, “Bring back checks and balances” and “So bad even the introverts are here”. They said this “No Kings” protest felt like the biggest yet.
“He’s destroying democracy,” Ravenna said of Trump. “Everything that he’s done since he’s been in office, he’s been destroying everything that we’ve known this country to be: good and secure and a safe haven for everybody.”