Saturday saw nearly 1,200 rallies held across the US against Trump and Musk.
On Saturday, April 5th, thousands of American citizens staged demonstrations in Washington and other places, protesting against President Trump's policies. This was the largest protest movement since Trump returned to the White House. The common theme of the protests was growing dissatisfaction with what they see as "the most blatant power grab in modern history," with protesters believing that Trump and his allies and advisors, including Musk and their billionaire associates, were the main instigators of this power grab. Trump's efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, promote conservative values, and launch trade wars with friendly countries have caused a stock market crash, angering some Americans.
A total of nearly 1,200 rallies were held nationwide. According to official announcements, Trump won the second round of a high-profile golf tournament in Florida. Neither public anger nor the economic recession risk following the market crash affected his agenda.
At noon on Saturday, over 5,000 people gathered at the National Mall in Washington. Le Monde reported that a sense of gravity could be felt around the Washington Monument, where thousands of people had gathered. Participants did not come to listen to speakers but followed the voice within them. Even if it is symbolic, do something rather than suffer.
66-year-old participant Somers expressed her frustration at how the Trump administration was destroying America's long-standing democratic system.
Elon Musk was condemned for his unprecedented abuse of power as head of the Office of Management Efficiency. David Hovemeyer, 52, a computer science professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, criticized, "They didn't reform; it's pure destruction," he said. Although this teacher was not directly affected, many projects related to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, especially humanitarian programs in the USAID agency, were suddenly shut down, with hundreds of employees dismissed.
Unlike usual, many soldiers and veterans were seen among the demonstrators in Norfolk, home to the world's largest naval base. Some proudly displayed hats or T-shirts featuring military imagery. Louis Reis, 57, who served 11 years in the military, said, "We rarely go out to protest the government. But Trump tramples on the Constitution out of hatred for anyone non-white and non-wealthy." Erin Murphy, daughter of a soldier who served in Europe and the Pacific during World War II, said, "What my parents fought for, we have a responsibility to protect." Her healthcare depends on the Department of Veterans Affairs, just like her daughter. She worries about cuts in aid: "My sister completely relies on state assistance for life, and if she loses Medicaid (health protection for the most vulnerable), she will be left with nothing."
Recent polls show that as Trump continues to push his policies, his approval rating has fallen to its lowest point since taking office in January.
Source: rfi
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828676177353868/
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