Trump faces global backlash as protesters denounce his controversial policies

In the largest wave of protests since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of major American cities on April 5, voicing fierce opposition to his administration's sweeping policies.

From Washington, DC, to Los Angeles, and from Houston to Denver, protesters condemned what they describe as an alarming erosion of democratic norms, economic recklessness, and threats to civil liberties. The rallies — held under the banner “Hands Off”— were coordinated by a coalition of progressive groups, including MoveOn and Women’s March, spanning over 1,000 cities and every congressional district in the US.

“I’m so mad, all the time,” said Shaina Kesner, a 43-year-old artist marching in Manhattan. “A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great.”

In the capital, thousands gathered on the National Mall, waving signs and listening to speakers denounce Trump’s policies, which have included deep government cuts, aggressive tariffs, and restrictive social agendas.

“They’re gutting our government,” said Diane Kolifrath, 64, who traveled from New Hampshire with around 100 others. “This administration is destroying our alliances abroad and causing devastation here at home.”

The protests extended beyond US borders, with demonstrators rallying in London, Berlin, and other European cities. “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” said Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen at the London protest. “It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.”

In Berlin, 70-year-old retiree Susanne Fest didn’t mince words: “The guy is a lunatic. He’s created a constitutional crisis.”

A symbol of resistance appeared in Los Angeles, where a protester dressed as a character from The Handmaid’s Tale waved a flag that read, “Get out of my uterus,” a clear rebuke to Trump’s anti-abortion stance.

From young couples pushing strollers to elderly citizens carrying handmade placards, the protests struck a balance between urgent anger and peaceful resolve. One sign in Denver read simply, “No King for USA.”

In Boston, protester Dominic Santella summarized the mood: “We’re out here to stop fascism… to stop a leader who jails his opponents and targets immigrants.”

Speaking near the White House, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who served as impeachment manager during Trump’s second trial, told the crowd, “No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Veteran activist Graylan Hagler, 71, delivered a fiery message: “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant. We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”

While organizers had initially expected around 20,000 participants in Washington, turnout appeared far higher. The day’s demonstrations were largely peaceful, bolstered by spring-like weather and an energized crowd.

Trump remains unmoved despite plummeting approval ratings and international criticism over his protectionist policies.

“My policies will never change,” he declared on April 4.

As the protests rage and resistance intensifies, one thing is clear: Trump's second term is already fueling a political firestorm — one that stretches far beyond America’s borders.