Anger on the streets of the USA. From Minneapolis to Washington – America is protesting against Trump's policies

Demonstrators protesting against President Donald Trump's policies took to the streets in record numbers on Saturday, over 3,000 in all US states as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests. Millions of people took part in the marches.

Saturday's main demonstration took place in Minneapolis, the site of a controversial immigration operation where two protesters died at the hands of officers. On the stage in front of the state parliament building, speakers included: state governor Tim Walz, senator Bernie Sanders. Bruce Springsteen, who wrote a song about the events in Minneapolis, and Joan Baez also performed.

“When the aspiring dictator in the White House sent his untrained, violent thugs to harm Minnesota, you, Minnesota, stood up for your neighbors, stood up for decency, stood up for kindness,” Walz said, calling Trump an “orange clown.”

Crowds were also visible at protests, including: in Houston, Chicago or New York. But demonstrations, although smaller, also took place in many smaller towns. In Woodbridge, on the outskirts of Washington, about 200 people gathered, lining the sidewalks and encouraging passing drivers to honk in solidarity – which many did. The gathering in Alexandria, Virginia, had a similar form and size.

As with previous “No Kings” demonstrations, the protests were not focused on one issue. The banners brought by the participants expressed opposition to the war with Iran, ICE activities, corruption, and Trump's friendly attitude towards Vladimir Putin.

“Say no to Trumputin,” read one banner at a protest in Alexandria. “Proud of the country, shame of the government,” said another.

– I am here because I want to express that what is happening in our country is not normal. None of what is happening is normal – Lynn, a 44-year-old businesswoman who took her two daughters to the demonstration, told PAP. – And it's good to see that I'm not alone in this – she added.

Saturday's demonstrations are the third under the banner of “No Kings”, organized by a coalition of various leftist groups. According to the organizers, a record was broken on Saturday in terms of the number of places where the events took place – over 3,000. In addition to rallies in all 50 states, demonstrations are also planned in 15 countries, including Rome, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. The number of participants is difficult to estimate, but movement leaders say previous demonstrations in October attracted 7 million people.

The White House downplayed the significance of Saturday's demonstrations.

“The only people interested in these Trump-affected therapy sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them,” spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

From Washington Oskar Górzyński (PAP)

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