Extract from ABC News
Updated 7
minutes ago
Renewed
protests against US President Donald Trump flared on the Presidents
Day holiday, with grassroots activists vowing to take to the streets
in dozens of cities in "Not My President's Day" rallies.
Key points:
- Presidents Day protests in 28 cities including New York, Chicago, Salt Lake City and Portland
- Activists rename holiday "Not My President's Day"
- Police confronted protests in Portland, Oregon, reportedly taking some people into custody
Protest
leaders had said they expected thousands to rally in about 28 cities
ranging from Los Angeles and Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in
the latest round of demonstrations to express displeasure with
Trump's policies and pronouncements.
In
New York, hundreds of protesters stretching at least eight blocks
chanted "He cheats, he lies, open up your eyes" near the
Trump International Hotel on the edge of Central Park.
"I
think he's got a mean personality," said marcher Edith Cresmer,
a 78-year-old urban planner. "But the worst thing about him is
how he incited peoples' fears and pits them against each other."
Luis
Llobera, 38, and his wife and baby took a train from Westchester
County north of the city to attend the Trump protest.
"We
are not American citizens but our son is," he said as his wife
cradled their 7-month-old, Atlas. "We want to make sure our son
has a government that is right and good."
Organisers
of the New York rally said they opposed Mr Trump's agenda, including
proposed cuts in federal spending and construction of a wall along
the border with Mexico.
"Donald
Trump is literally our president, but figuratively, he has attacked
every value New Yorkers embody and does not represent our interests,"
organisers said on Facebook.
In
downtown Chicago, about 1,200 people gathered across the Chicago
River from the Trump International Hotel and Tower.
Signs
spotted in the crowd included "My body My Choice" and
"Jesus was a refugee," references to Trump's anti-abortion
stance and his efforts to stop admission of refugees.
Rebecca
Wolfram of Chicago, who is in her 60s, said concerns about climate
change and immigrant rights under Trump prompted her to start
attending rallies.
"I'm
trying to demonstrate as much as possible until I figure out what
else to do," said Ms Wolfram, who held a sign saying "Old
white ladies are really displeased."
Chicago
police reported no arrests in the protest, the latest in a series
since Mr Trump's January 20 inauguration.
Hundreds
also rallied against Mr Trump in Salt Lake City, Utah while police
confronted a small crowd of protesters in Portland, Oregon, where
some people were taken into custody, local media reported.
Reuters/AP
Thousands
gather at #PresidentsDay "Not
My President" anti-@realDonaldTrump rally
outside @TrumpChicago #Chicago #notmypresidentsday
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