WASHINGTON — Hundreds of people gathered on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to protest the policies introduced by the new administration. The demonstration was part of a global action called #50501 which called for people across all 50 states to rally at their state capitols to oppose the new policies and decisions made by President Donald Trump.
(Sofia Sorochinskaia/MHS)
One of the key issues protesters were concerned about was the new administration’s decision to dismantle USAID. One protester held a sign reading, “The whole world is watching,” highlighting America’s significant influence on the rest of the world.
Vera, who refused to give her last name due to security concerns, spent 25 years working on USAID’s global health program. On Wednesday, she came to Capitol Hill to fight against its dismantling.
“I’ve seen firsthand how it saves lives, how it makes people want to be allies with America, how it makes people believe in the goodness of America and want to be like America,” said Vera, explaining why USAID is so important to her. Dismantling USAID is her number one concern right now.
(Sofia Sorochinskaia/MNS)
Nicky Sundt has worked as a climate change expert for decades, including for the government under President Obama’s administration. Yet, she joined the protest to fight for transgender rights. As a trans woman, she said, “This administration is more concerned with my gender identity than with climate change.”
“It just starts with us. Who’s next? They’re already going after immigrants. Anybody who is relatively powerless or has less power to resist are the ones they are targeting. Create fear and go after these people rather than dealing with real issues,” said Sundt.
A man walks with an upside-down U.S. flag, a symbol of emergency and distress. (Sofia Sorochinskaia/MNS)
(Sofia Sorochinskaia/MNS)
Several lawmakers also attended the protest. One of them was Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who promised that the Senate would resist the Trump administration.
“The first thing we’re going to do in the Senate is not cooperate with the illegal and unconstitutional acts they’re trying to impose. The second thing we’re going to do is fight them legally in every way we can,” said Booker.
The crowd cheered in support, but some people also shouted, “What have you been doing for two weeks?” and “Why only now?”
