First Days of Resistance: An Overview of the Mass Protests Against Donald Trump's Inauguration in Washington, DC

By Andrew Stefan, Reader Supported News

25 January 17

Anti-Inauguration Day Actions

Black bloc protesters on inauguration day. (photo: Andrew Stefan/RSN)

n the morning of Friday, January 20, smoke clouds rose from the center of Logan Circle in Washington, DC. Dozens of black-clad protesters – activists using the black bloc protest tactic – gathered around a pile of burning Donald Trump campaign signs.

“No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!” they chanted.

Between chants, protesters made small talk with reporters. Jokes were made. Activists handed out complimentary coffee.

Just after 10 a.m., additional marchers poured in from the streets around Logan Circle – hundreds of them. The chanting swelled as protesters filled Logan Circle. Bottle rockets went off and road flares were ignited.

The march began.

Between 400 and 500 people moved from Logan Circle toward Donald Trump's victory parade downtown. Along the way, protesters pulled metal newspaper boxes into the street, creating roadblocks. The chants grew ever louder.

The black bloc march was eventually dispersed when police used pepper spray on the protesters. Over 200 people were arrested after multiple incidents of property damage, which included the destruction of a limousine. Later that day, one member of the black bloc would punch white supremacist leader Richard Spencer in the face. The act was caught on video and has since gone viral.

Additional anti-inauguration actions unfolded across the city as the day went on. By midday, hundreds of activists filled squares and parks across Washington, rallying, chanting, and performing music. Marches continued in the streets as well – all of which were less confrontational than the black bloc’s “Anti-Capitalist” action.

At the Festival of Resistance rally at McPherson Square, hundreds of people and several different left organizations gathered to listen to speakers and musical performances by artists including Evan Greer. The atmosphere was celebratory, with protesters emphasizing the growing and unifying resistance to Donald Trump. Vibrant artwork, signs, and colorful costumes stood out in stark contrast to the dreary grey sky.

That night, an event hosted by Jacobin Magazine, Haymarket Books, and Verso Books was held at the Lincoln Theatre. Dubbed “The Anti-Inauguration,” the gathering included talks from Naomi Klein and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, among other left notables. Attendees filled the Lincoln Theatre to capacity.

The Women’s March on Washington

Protesters at the Women's March. (photo: Andrew Stefan/RSN)

On Saturday morning, an estimated 500,000 protesters converged on Washington for the Women’s March on Washington, vastly exceeding expectations for attendance. Prior to Saturday, most estimates projected up to 200,000 people.

Marchers arrived from cities all over the US and even outside of the country. Combined with additional Women’s Marches all over the world, the day saw well over 3 million protesters taking to the streets for women and against Donald Trump. As for the US actions, which took place in roughly 500 cities across the country, media outlets are reporting that it was the “biggest protest in American history.”

Throughout the day, Metro trains across Washington became filled to capacity, causing backups and delays. Police and soldiers monitored streets as protesters flooded the downtown area, traveling to the march on foot.

The Women’s March began with an hours-long rally near the US Capitol. Speakers including Angela Davis and Madonna addressed the enthusiastic crowd.

Around 2 p.m., the march began making its way toward the White House. Pennsylvania Avenue just in front of 1600, however, was closed off to the protesters. Still, marchers pressed forward past portable chain-link fences to arrive at a line of Secret Service police. A tense standoff ensued for roughly an hour, as protesters chanted, “Let us in!” and “Who do you protect?” as well as various anti-Trump slogans. Security forces drove a large military vehicle through the crowd, provoking a moment of panic. The protesters ultimately remained calm.

Meanwhile, around the White House, activists blocked busy intersections, linking arms across streets. Traffic was brought to a standstill, but many drivers seemed supportive of the march, taking pictures with their phones and cheering on the protesters.

As night fell, the actions dissipated, and protesters left the downtown area.

What’s Next?

Resistance to President Donald Trump is off to an active and energized start. The breadth, diversity, and spirit of the inauguration weekend’s actions were hopefully a glimpse of things to come.

Now the US left moves forward, strategizing, unifying, and organizing against Donald Trump, and many are raising the important question of what’s next. What do we do after these protests and marches? Where do we go from here? As answers arise – as bigger action plans and resistance projects begin taking shape – we already know one thing for sure: the underlying foundation for an effective mass movement against President Donald Trump is in place. We have the numbers, we have the organizing capabilities, and we have the energy.

Several hundred protesters faced off with Secret Service police in front of the White House.
(photo: Andrew Stefan/RSN)

Tensions escalated when large military vehicles entered the area. The protest remained peaceful.
(photo: Andrew Stefan/RSN)

Andrew Stefan is an editor and staff reporter at Reader Supported News. He lives in Washington DC and can be reached via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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