Millions Worldwide Hit Streets in Protest of Trump Presidency

21.01.2017 23:33

TheWrap.com

A day after Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States, the Women’s March brought out millions of protesters in rallies and marches across the globe in support of women’s and civil rights that they fear may be threatened by the new administration.

In Washington D.C., march organizers estimated that about 500,000 protesters had gathered for the event. The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority estimated that 275,000 had taken public transportation Saturday by 11 a.m. By comparison, 193,000 were estimated to have used Metro yesterday morning prior to Trump’s inauguration.

Metro Ridership as of 11am: 275k. For comparison, that’s more than 8x a normal Sat & even busier than most weekdays. #wmata #womensmarch

– Metro (@wmata) January 21, 2017

Metro Ridership: As of 11am, 193k trips taken so far today. (11am 1/20/13 = 317k, 11am 1/20/09 = 513k, 11am 1/20/05 = 197k) #wmata

– Metro (@wmata) January 20, 2017

Meanwhile, the protests have spread beyond the nation’s capital and into every state in the union. In Chicago, organizers estimated that 250,000 protesters gathered in Grant Park, five times more than what they expected. The turnout was so large that organizers had to cancel the march portion of the event, though the rally was still held.

But that didn’t stop protesters from marching unofficially through downtown Chicago after the conclusion of the rally. Protesters were heard chanting “Fired up, ready to go!”, a mantra popularized by Barack Obama during his 2012 re-election campaign.

This is the scene in Chicago right now. #WomensMarch pic.twitter.com/uW5i7fpsKW

– Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 21, 2017

In Park City, Utah, where the Sundance Film Festival is currently being held, a Women’s March was led by Hollywood stars including Chelsea Handler and John Legend. With snow falling, protesters climbed snow banks, balconies, and street lamps, which included an impassioned speech from activist Dolores Huerta.

“We will not go back!” declared Huerta. “You remember the tupperware parties? Now it’s time to have democracy parties!”

Meanwhile, the sun was out in Los Angeles for a downtown march from Pershing Square to City Hall. Naturally, Hollywood stars showed up here, too. Including Natalie Portman, Jane Fonda, and Barbra Streisand. Although the estimated crowd was expected to reach up to 150,000, the final count was 750,000.

750,000 Marchers strong here in LA! Thank you for being with us! LAPD has asked us to move to the second stage at 6th and Broadway!

— Women's March LA (@wmnsmarchla) January 21, 2017