[videojs mp4=”http://baderblog.s3.amazonaws.com/stories/not%20my%20president/not%20my%20president%20protest.mp4″ poster=”http://baderblog.s3.amazonaws.com/stories/not%20my%20president/not%20my%20president%20protest.png” width=”500″ height=”281″ id=”notmypresidentapb” preload=”true”]
By APB Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 21, 2017: New York City – The holiday known as President’s Day took on a different meaning in New York City and around the nation as protesters, mostly in opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump, took to the streets to voice their displeasure with the current US Commander-in-Chief.
Dubbed “Not My President’s Day,” anti-Trump rallies were held in several cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver, Washington D.C., Austin, and Chicago, among others.
The idea for “Not President’s Day” protests emanated in Los Angeles where news of a planned City Hall anti-Trump gathering spread on social media, inspiring citizens in other cities to do the same.
In New York City, an estimated 14,000 protesters marched in the vicinity of Trump International Hotel on Central Park West. Under the watchful eye of the New York City Police Department, the protesters were peaceful. Despite a few heated arguments between Trump supporters and protesters, no arrests were made according to police. A handful of Donald Trump supporters turned out to express their support for the president, with attendees on either side chanting at each other.
Much of the colorful homemade signage called for Trump’s impeachment, harshly criticizing the President’s stance on immigration, sanctuary cities, Russia, the president’s controversial advisor Steve Bannon, the environment and climate change, recent ICE raids, the economy, Cabinet picks, and women’s rights, to cite a few topics.
The New York City “Not My President’s Day” assemblage follows Sunday’s “I Am Muslim Too” rally where 1,000 participants gathered in Times Square to show support for the Muslim community.
“Not My President’s Day” continues the wave of protests which commenced with the women’s marches the day after Trump’s inauguration.
Last week’s “Day Without Immigrants” movement inspired several protests and shuttered businesses throughout the city. On Saturday, hundreds attended a mock funeral for Presidents Day in Washington Square Park. Protesters dressed in black and listened as a eulogy was delivered for the American presidency.
Many of the New York City “Not My President’s Day” protesters said they plan to attend more anti-Trump events in and around New York City.