Thousands gather in Washington protesting Trump's presidency

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Since the election, Mary Kramer, a Baltimore healthcare worker, has largely avoided the news, only briefly tuning in for President Carter’s funeral. She describes her feelings about President-elect Trump’s return to power using words like “despondent,” “devastated,” and “destroyed.”

At a rally on the National Mall, the 65-year-old reflected on the difference between this protest and one she attended eight years prior. “Eight years ago, I still had hope. I still had the fight in me,” she said. “This weekend is far from the march I attended eight years ago. That had hope and fight.”

Observing the smaller turnout, she expressed pessimism about the prospects of a female president in the U.S., stating, “This country is just never going to elect a woman… I’m of a mind that we are not going to have a Constitution or a democracy by the time this ends. All because we just won’t vote for a woman.”

In stark contrast to the large, hopeful demonstrations eight years earlier, this rally was smaller and held under dreary conditions. The partially frozen Reflecting Pool and the tall security fencing served as stark reminders of Trump’s impending inauguration.

Many attendees felt like a minority bracing for Trump’s return, frustrated by their limited ability to oppose him given his allies’ control of Congress and the Supreme Court. Unlike the earlier “Resistance,” this felt muted, more like a collective therapy session.

While some signs and slogans were familiar, others reflected recent events and commentary from figures like Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. However, there was little confidence that this rally—covering issues from environmental justice to trans rights—would significantly impact the political landscape beyond reinforcing existing beliefs within the Left.

“I am tired. I am exhausted. I am angry,” said Nancy Casavis, a 66-year-old retired teacher wearing anti-Trump attire. She expressed concern for future generations and her determination to continue protesting, documenting her participation for her family.

However, not all attendees shared the same level of despair. Celia Laurent, a 65-year-old state administrator, acknowledged the reality of Trump’s election while emphasizing the need for continued protests.

The significantly smaller turnout was undeniable. Anneka Hall, a 54-year-old real estate appraiser, who traveled from California to attend Trump’s inauguration, noted the drastic difference in size between this rally and the one eight years prior, estimating this one to be only 1% of the previous one.

Despite the smaller turnout, Hall listened to the speakers and expressed openness to understanding opposing viewpoints, acknowledging the perceived radicalization of the other side.

This lack of engagement from Democratic institutionalists contrasted with the more informal atmosphere, which served as a safe space for those surrounded by supporters of Trump in the city.

“I feel lost and defeated,” said Esther Vogelzang, a 57-year-old mental health therapist. “I was worried people wouldn’t show up. But it turns out I am not alone.”

While not alone, the significantly smaller turnout indicated a stark difference in the political landscape, foreshadowing a much different second Trump term for Democrats.

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