As President Trump's second term commenced, several hundred individuals gathered in Washington D.C. to voice their dissent. Braving the cold, protesters at Meridian Hill Park expressed concerns over what they perceive as impending "fascism" and "colonialism" under the Trump administration. Fox News Digital was on the scene, speaking with several attendees about their motivations.
One protester, Gregory, who traveled from New Orleans, emphasized the importance of resisting a perceived slide towards fascism, war, and genocide. He stressed the need for continued resistance, anticipating worsening conditions. Another attendee, Maxwell, from Baltimore, highlighted issues of poverty, wealth inequality, misogyny, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants. Maxwell called for an end to what they described as imperialism and colonialism perpetrated by the U.S. government.
The demonstration featured various signs and props, notably a large guillotine replica. Its creator described it as an "art piece" open to interpretation, intended to convey a message of empowerment and a warning to those in power. Mara, a transgender protester, expressed alarm at Trump's rhetoric, citing the labeling of transgender individuals as pedophiles. Mara joined the protest to reject fascism and its perceived presence in America.
Signs in the crowd bore slogans such as "socialism beats fascism" and "fight Trump's agenda." Following speeches, which included calls to "Free Palestine" and condemnations of Israel's actions in Gaza, the group marched through the streets, encountering counter-protesters and engaging in verbal exchanges.
While significantly more subdued than the protests during Trump's first inauguration, these demonstrations reflect continued opposition to his presidency. Unlike the previous inauguration, these protests appear to have remained non-violent. Trump, sworn in as the 47th president, pledged a return to a "golden age" and called for a "revolution of common sense" in his inaugural address.
