Thousands Rally in Washington Against Trump’s Second Term/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thousands of protesters convened in Washington ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, rallying for women’s rights, climate action, and LGBTQ equality. Rebranded as the “People’s March,” the demonstration reflects a broader push for progressive causes amid subdued enthusiasm compared to 2017’s Women’s March. Organizers emphasize sustained community engagement beyond Saturday’s event.
People’s March Quick Looks
- Thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., before Trump’s second inauguration.
- Demonstrators advocated for reproductive rights, climate change action, and LGBTQ equality.
- The rally, now named the “People’s March,” aims to broaden appeal.
- Participants reflect on Trump’s impact and hope to sustain activism.
- The event contrasts with the larger, more fervent 2017 Women’s March.
Thousands Rally in Washington Against Trump’s Second Term
Deep Look
Introduction: Revisiting a Movement
On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., for the People’s March, a reimagined iteration of the 2017 Women’s March. Days before President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, participants rallied for a wide range of progressive issues, including women’s reproductive rights, climate change, and LGBTQ equality.
A Broader Coalition for Change
This year’s march was rebranded as the “People’s March” to foster inclusivity and align with a broader array of social justice causes. While smaller in scale compared to the historic 2017 gathering, which saw over 500,000 participants in Washington alone, Saturday’s event retained its spirit of resistance and activism.
“We’re not thinking about the march as the endgame,” she said. Instead, organizers hope participants will integrate into local movements to sustain progressive advocacy.
Voices from the Ground
Among the crowd, marchers shared deeply personal motivations for attending. Jill Parrish, who traveled from Austin, Texas, expressed her fears for the state of democracy and voiced her opposition to Trump’s policies. Others, like Minnesota teacher Anna Bergman, reflected on the symbolism of wearing their pink “pussy hats” from 2017 as a form of continuity and defiance.
Rick Glatz, a grandfather from New Hampshire, emphasized his family as his inspiration: “I’m a grandpa. And that’s why I’m marching.”
A Movement Adapts to the Times
In contrast to the explosive energy of the original Women’s March, this year’s demonstration reflects a more subdued moment. Feelings of disappointment lingered among attendees, particularly following the unexpected defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
Sociology professor Jo Reger noted that large-scale, multi-issue movements like the People’s March face unique challenges, including reconciling diverse visions and priorities. However, she argued that internal debates could lead to growth and inclusion of underrepresented voices, making the movement more dynamic.
Themes of Activism
The People’s March addressed several interconnected themes, including feminism, racial justice, immigration reform, and anti-militarization. Organizers structured the event to end with discussions led by social justice groups, encouraging participants to remain engaged beyond the rally.
“Saturday is not the destination,” Middleton said. “It’s part of the journey toward broader activism.”
Historical Perspective
The original Women’s March in 2017 marked a seismic moment in U.S. activism, igniting a wave of grassroots movements in response to Trump’s presidency. The rebranded People’s March signals a pivot toward coalition-building and sustained advocacy, even as attendance figures and public fervor have waned.
Conclusion: Continuing the Fight
As the marchers dispersed under a gray sky, the rally’s message was clear: activism must persist beyond symbolic demonstrations. From reproductive rights to environmental action, the People’s March underscored the urgency of progressive causes in the face of political opposition.
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