NEW YORK (AP) — Opponents of President Trump’s administration took to the streets of communities giant and small throughout the U.S. on Saturday, decrying what they see as threats to the nation’s democratic beliefs.
The disparate occasions ranged from a march by means of Midtown Manhattan and a rally in entrance of the White Home to an indication at a Massachusetts commemoration marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary Warfare 250 years in the past.
Individuals participate in a protest organized to ‘Protect Migrants, Protect the Planet’ on April 19, 2025 in New York Metropolis. Organizers of the nationwide protest stated the demonstrations have been to denounce the “hostile government takeover” by the Trump administration. (Picture by Adam Grey/Getty Photos)
Organizers stated they have been protesting in opposition to what they view as Trump’s civil rights and constitutional violations, together with efforts to deport scores of immigrants and cut back the federal authorities by firing 1000’s of presidency employees and successfully shutter complete businesses.
A few of the occasions drew on the spirit of the American Revolutionary Warfare, calling for “no kings” and resistance to tyranny.
In Manhattan, protesters rallied in opposition to continued deportations of immigrants as they marched from the New York Public Library north in direction of Central Park previous Trump Tower.
“No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state,” they chanted to the regular beat of drums, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Marshall Inexperienced, who was among the many protesters, stated he was most involved that Trump has invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 by claiming the nation is at battle with Venezuelan gangs linked to the South American nation’s authorities.
“Congress should be stepping up and saying no, we are not at war. You cannot use that,” stated the 61-year-old Morristown, N.J. “You cannot deport people without due process, and everyone in this country has the right to due process no matter what.”
In the meantime, Melinda Charles of Connecticut stated she anxious about Trump’s “executive overreach,” citing clashes with the federal courts to Harvard College and different elite faculties.
“We’re supposed to have three equal branches of government,” she stated, “To have the executive branch become so strong, I mean, it’s just unbelievable.”
In Washington, Bob Fasick stated he got here out to the rally by the White Home out of concern about threats to constitutionally protected due course of rights, in addition to Social Safety and different federal safety-net applications.
Individuals collect to protest President Donald Trump’s insurance policies on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in New York. (AP Picture/Joseph Frederick)
The Trump administration, amongst different issues, has moved to shutter Social Safety Administration discipline workplaces, reduce funding for presidency well being applications and cut back protections for transgender folks.
“I cannot sit still knowing that if I don’t do anything and everybody doesn’t do something to change this, that the world that we collectively are leaving for the little children, for our neighbors is simply not one that I would want to live in,” stated the 76-year-old retired federal worker
Thomas Bassford drove to Massachusetts from his house some three hours away in Maine to witness the reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Harmony and “the shot heard ’round the world” on April 19, 1775 that heralded the beginning of the nation’s battle for independence from Britain.
Protesters maintain indicators throughout a parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Harmony, Mass. (AP Pictures/Michael Casey)
The 80-year-old retired mason stated he believed People as we speak are underneath assault from their very own authorities and wish to face up in opposition to it.
“This is a very perilous time in America for liberty,” Bassford stated, as he attended the occasion along with his companion, daughter and two grandsons. “I wanted the boys to learn about the origins of this country and that sometimes we have to fight for freedom.”
Elsewhere, protests have been deliberate exterior Tesla automotive dealerships in opposition to billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk and his position in downsizing the federal authorities whereas others organized extra community-service occasions, comparable to meals drives, teach-ins and volunteering at native shelters.
Demonstrators march through the nationwide “Hands Off!” protest in opposition to US President Donald Trump and his advisor, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, in New York on April 5, 2025. (Picture by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP through Getty Photos)
The rallies got here simply two weeks after greater than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations drew 1000’s of protesters to streets throughout the nation, from Midtown Manhattan to Anchorage, Ala., to protest Trump and Musk.
