Protests Erupt Across US As Trump Marks 1st Year Of Return To White House

Demonstrations erupted across the United States on Tuesday as citizens in California, New York, and other states voiced opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies on the first anniversary of his return to the White House.

The rallies formed part of a nationwide wave of protests condemning the administration’s immigration policies, foreign policy posture, and overall style of governance.

Demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as, “The power of the people is greater than the people in power”, “Honour our veterans”, “Abolish ICE,”, “ICE must go”, “From Los Angeles to Minneapolis, stop ICE terror”, and “Impeach the PEDO”.

Blair Thomson, speaking at one of the protests, said the country had become deeply divided under the current administration.

“This is not the United States anymore. This is the divided states. They thrive on dividing us, forcing us against each other. This is not America first, this is America alone,” Thomson said.

Ryley Johnson called on Congress to take action against the president.

“We have a Congress for a reason. They should impeach him. He’s broken laws — so many laws — and he will continue to break them and lie about it,” Johnson said.

Anne Jaffe Holmes criticised Trump’s conduct in international affairs, citing recent diplomatic tensions.

“It seems like every day since this president was inaugurated, there’s been a reason to protest,” she said.

“The latest includes Greenland, insults to our NATO allies, and threats that resemble a return to imperialistic behaviour. I can’t believe the audacity and stupidity of the President of the United States.”

Speaking for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Andre Easton said the administration was carrying out what he described as its core agenda.

“Today is January 20, 2026. Only 20 days into the new year, this administration is already doing exactly what it was built to do — perpetuating violence,” Easton said.

Meanwhile, AFP reported that President Trump has complained that he is not receiving sufficient credit for his actions in office.

Across the country, thousands of workers and students marched through major cities and university campuses to protest what they described as the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.

Hundreds gathered in Washington, D.C., as well as in smaller cities such as Asheville, North Carolina, where demonstrators marched through downtown streets chanting, “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA,” according to online videos.

The Trump administration maintains that it has a mandate from voters to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. However, recent polls suggest that a majority of Americans disapprove of federal immigration officers using force.

In Cleveland, Ohio, university students chanted, “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here,” while high school students in Santa Fe, New Mexico, walked out of classes to attend a “Stop ICE Terror” rally at the state capitol, according to organisers and school officials.