Anti-Trump Protesters March on Washington Mall Ahead of Inauguration

The so-called “People’s March” held in Washington, D.C., ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, attempted to unite a wide array of liberal, progressive, and socialist groups in a display of opposition to Trump’s policies. However, the gathering fell short of the size and impact of the original Women’s March that followed Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.

Branded as a coalition of causes, the rally drew groups advocating for pro-abortion rights, open borders, LGBTQIA+ issues, climate change action, and other leftist policies. Yet the only unifying theme among the marchers appeared to be their shared opposition to Trump.

Signs carried by participants read slogans like “We Won’t Go Back” and “Hate Will Not Make Us Great,” while others took aim at Elon Musk and other prominent figures. Notably, the American flag was scarcely visible, with one flown upside down and another displayed alongside an LGBTQ+ flag.

While the protest aimed to showcase a broad coalition of progressive causes, reports suggest it failed to recapture the energy or turnout of previous anti-Trump demonstrations, with an estimated 25,000 participants, predominantly white and overwhelmingly pro-abortion advocates. Pro-life voices present at the event were reportedly silenced by other attendees, highlighting the divisions within the broader protest movement.

Despite its intentions, the march seemed more symbolic than effective, with critics noting that the disparate causes lacked a cohesive message beyond their opposition to Trump.

Over half a dozen local police departments in the Washington, D.C., area have chosen not to assist the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with security for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This development has raised concerns about a potential shortage of law enforcement personnel for the high-profile event, which already demands extensive security measures.

The MPD, which typically relies on support from neighboring jurisdictions for such events, has confirmed the absence of several departments but insists that thousands of officers will still be available. However, the decision by multiple agencies to withdraw support could leave MPD with hundreds fewer officers than usual. While most departments cited vague reasons for their decision, at least one explicitly pointed to a dispute over a memorandum of understanding (MOU), a formal agreement between agencies, as the key issue.

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) in Maryland confirmed its decision in an email, stating, “Based on the current MOU, we will not be assisting Metro PD.” MCPD is among several departments declining to participate this year, signaling broader concerns about inter-agency agreements and trust.

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