Washington, April 20 — Thousands gathered across the United States, including large crowds outside the White House, to protest a series of aggressive policies under President Donald Trump—ranging from mass deportations and government layoffs to U.S. involvement in foreign wars.
Chants and banners filled the streets of Washington, where protesters assembled near the White House and the Washington Monument. Messages included “Workers should have the power,” “Stop arming Israel,” “Due process,” and “Equal rights for all does not mean less rights for you,” according to media footage from the scene.
“This administration is dismantling everything—from workers’ protections to academic freedom,” said Maria Torres, a protester from Virginia. “We’re here to say enough.”
Organizers said the demonstrations took place in over two dozen cities, including New York and Chicago, marking the second wave of nationwide protests since Trump returned to office in January.
Several protesters raised concerns about mass deportations and the detainment of foreign students. Many marched in solidarity with migrants targeted by Trump-era immigration measures and university staff and students whose funding and rights have come under threat.
“We stand with every family torn apart by this administration,” said Amir Qureshi, an immigrant rights advocate. “And with every student punished for speaking out.”
Since January, the Trump administration, working closely with billionaire Elon Musk, has removed more than 200,000 federal employees and moved to weaken or dismantle multiple government agencies.
Civil rights groups have condemned the firings as part of a broader agenda to consolidate power and silence dissent.
The administration has also warned universities of federal funding cuts over programs related to climate policy, diversity and inclusion efforts, and pro-Palestinian activism.
“This isn’t just about one policy—it’s about eroding the foundations of a democratic society,” said Dr. Lila Brandt, a professor at a public university in the capital.
Some demonstrators carried Ukrainian flags and banners calling for more robust U.S. opposition to Russia’s invasion. Others denounced the administration’s support for Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Signs such as “Hate never made any nation great” reflected the broader sentiment of resistance to the Trump administration’s approach to governance, which protesters described as authoritarian and punitive.
“We are not subjects,” said protester Jamal Rivers. “This is a democracy, and we have a voice.”
