US: thousands protest one year after Trump takes reins

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

Hundreds of thousands of women and their allies marked the first year of President Donald Trump's presidency Saturday the same way they ushered it in -- in boisterous protest.

Unlike the demonstrations that took place a year ago, Saturday's rallies in cities across the U.S. arose in an era dominated by the #MeToo movement, which seeks to end the sexual assault of women by asking them to bring their stories of past abuse to light.

In so doing, victims have toppled a wide range of powerful men in entertainment, the media politics over accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct.

Many of those who came out Saturday held signs and wore clothing heralding the movement, including several that made mention of "Time's Up", an anti-sexual assault movement that gained traction following #MeToo's rise to national prominence.

"Time's Up, Donald!!!" one sign read.

Not one to sit on the sidelines, Trump chimed in using his preferred method of communication: Twitter, appearing to mock the mass demonstrations as they filled city streets coast to coast.

"Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!" Trump wrote sarcastically.

On the west coast, actress Viola Davis was among the high-profile celebrities who came out to address the assembled masses.

"I am speaking today not just for the because I was too, but when I raise my hand, I am aware of all the women who are still in silence. The women who are faceless," she said.

"The women who don’t have the money and don’t have the constitution and who don’t have the confidence and who don’t have the images in our media that gives them a sense of self-worth enough to break their silence that is rooted in the shame of assault and rooted in the stigma of assault," the Academy Award winner declared.

Mayor Eric Garcetti originally said 500,000 people were present at the Los Angeles rally before updating the tally to 600,000 -- making it one of the largest such demonstrations to take place Saturday.