On Saturday, a significant gathering took place in Washington, D.C., where thousands from across the nation convened to advocate for women’s reproductive rights and various other causes they feel are threatened by the impending Trump administration. This event echoed the spirit of the original Women’s March that occurred just before Donald Trump was inaugurated for his first term, eight years ago.
Participants expressed their disillusionment with Trump’s election win, reaffirming their commitment to championing women’s access to abortion, the rights of transgender individuals, climate change initiatives, and more. The march is part of a wider series of demonstrations planned across the country before Monday’s inauguration, with over 350 similar events scheduled in every state focused on urgent topics such as abortion rights, immigration, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Among those present was Jill Parrish from Austin, Texas, who had initially purchased a ticket to attend what she thought would be Vice President Kamala Harris’s inauguration. She changed her travel plans to join the protest instead, stating that it was crucial to illustrate that a significant portion of U.S. voters did not support Trump. “Most importantly, I’m here to demonstrate my fear about the state of our democracy,” Parrish remarked.
As demonstrators gathered at various squares in Washington, they expressed their sentiments through drumming and chanting amidst a gloomy, chilly day. The protest culminated at the Lincoln Memorial, where organizations both local and national set up information booths. Participants displayed a variety of signs featuring phrases such as “Save America,” “Against abortions? Then don’t have one,” and “Hate won’t win.”
The atmosphere was not without tension, as occasional confrontations arose between protesters and Trump supporters. At one point, a man wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat approached the marchers, prompting a temporary halt in the procession. However, police intervened to prevent escalation, maintaining peace as attendees chanted “We won’t take the bait.”
Near the Washington Monument, a small group sporting “MAGA” hats drew the attention of one protest leader, who began a chant against Trump with the use of a megaphone. High fencing and the presence of police helped separate the two groups, diffusing potential conflict.
Rick Glatz from Manchester, New Hampshire, shared that his motivation for participating stemmed from his desire to advocate for his four granddaughters, declaring, “I’m a grandpa. And that’s why I’m marching.” Meanwhile, Minnesota high school teacher Anna Bergman chose to don her original pink pussy hat, a symbol of the protests from 2017, expressing her wish to be among those who share similar views on a day like this.
This year’s march is dubbed the People’s March, representing a rebranding effort aimed at drawing broader support, especially during a time of intense reflection following Trump’s election win in November. The rally in 2017, which came as a reaction to Trump’s first election, saw over 500,000 participants in Washington, marking it as one of the most substantial single-day protests in U.S. history. In contrast, this year’s turnout was significantly lower, with only about 5,000 participants.
Pushback against Trump’s presidency has led many progressives to experience a mix of emotions, including exhaustion and disappointment, particularly following the Democratic ticket’s recent defeat. “Before we do anything about democracy, we have to fight our own despair,” remarked Rachel O’Leary Carmona, the executive director of Women’s March, during the event.
The subdued nature of this year’s demonstration stands in stark contrast to the high-energy protests of 2017. Observations from organizers indicate a struggle to replicate the outrage and engagement exhibited in previous years. Tamika Middleton, managing director at Women’s March, noted, “The reality is that it’s just hard to capture lightning in a bottle.”
The movement has faced challenges since its inception, particularly concerning its inclusivity, leading to calls for restructuring. The newly named People’s March seeks to unite a wider array of social justice issues, such as feminism, racial equity, and anti-militarization, culminating in discussions led by various organizations dedicated to social change.
Jo Reger, a sociology professor specializing in social movements, highlighted the uniqueness of this march due to its diverse array of issues. While this inclusivity presents challenges in satisfying differing visions within the movement, it can also cultivate new perspectives and voices that have been historically underrepresented. “Often what it does is bring change and bring in new perspectives, especially of underrepresented voices,” Reger added.
Middleton articulated that the objective of Saturday’s event was not merely to replicate the large-scale protests of 2017, but rather to focus on a more expansive array of issues beyond just Trump. “We’re not thinking about the march as the endgame,” she explained, stressing the importance of transitioning participants into sustained activism within their communities.
