By Jacob Clavijo ~ Editor-in-Chief
WASHINGTON – Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, thousands of Americans took to the streets of the nation’s capitol to protest the incoming president. Dubbed “The People’s March,” demonstrators traveled from across the country to voice their concerns for the new administration’s potential policies surrounding women’s, LGBTQ+, and immigrant rights.
“I’m extremely angry that we are revisiting the toxic and dangerous policies of the person whose name I don’t even want to mention,” said Valerie N, a demonstrator who traveled to the march from Baltimore with her husband, Ed.
Valerie and Ed at the People’s March 2025. Photo by Jacob Clavijo.
Women’s March, a network that aims to uplift feminist voices and support feminist causes, organized the protest, which convened in front of the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, January 18. Once gathered, several activists came on stage to share their words of hope and unity while encouraging calls to action amongst the crowd.
Among those in attendance was veteran Richard P, who served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. Richard shared his distaste for Trump’s comments on veterans and his policies to weaponize the judicial system.
“With rallies like this, when people get active, we can change policies,” Richard said. “Politics is local, so I urge people to contact their local organizations.”
Veteran Richard P at the People’s March 2025. Photo by Jacob Clavijo.
While the protest was mainly peaceful, some people in opposition to the event became a part of tense conversations that caused a stir amongst the crowds.
Rick Chellison, a Trump supporter who traveled from Nevada to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump, says he was threatened and yelled at by attendees of the People’s March. At one point, Chellison and a protestor began to shout at one another at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial.
“All I tell them is God bless you. God is the main reason we’re all here,” Chellison stated.
Rick Chellison at the People’s March 2025. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
Chellison and thousands of other Trump backers attended the indoor inauguration parade held at Washington’s Capital One Arena on Sunday, January 19.
To learn more about the People’s March, visit https://www.peoplesmarch.com/
