Protesters Gather as Trump Makes His First Trip to NYC's Trump Tower Since Assuming Office
As Donald Trump prepares to make his first official trip since assuming office to his New York Trump Tower Monday evening, protesters are gathering at his Fifth Avenue residence in response to both his alarming encounters with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and, more recently, his response to the riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, that left three dead and many injured.
In the preceding week, there was a worrying exchange between two erratic leaders. After Kim Jong Un threatened the U.S. in response to new UN sanctions seeking to punish the nation for its ballistic missile testing, President Trump returned with harsh words to North Korea, that “[the country] will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.” The threat sparked anger in anti-war advocates, motivating them to organize the ongoing Trump Tower protest.
But the focus took a turn when, over the weekend, white supremacists took to the streets of Charlottesville to promote a white-ethno America. Violence broke out, leaving many injured in clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters. The clashes also killed one young woman, Heather Heyer, after a car pummeled into a counter-protesting crowd. In response to the tragedy, President Trump initially failed to speak out against the hate groups such as neo-Nazis, the KKK and alt-right that were present at the march. Instead, President Trump condemned “all hate” as though the violence was present on both sides.
We ALL must be united & condemn all that hate stands for. There is no place for this kind of violence in America. Lets come together as one!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1502558353
It wasn’t until two days later that Trump specifically identified these hate groups as the source of the violence and issue at hand. However, the many protesters gathering at Trump Tower Monday evening feel it’s too little too late. Outside of Trump Tower sit 15-foot-tall orange Trump rats, “F U TRUMP” golden balloons, and signs declaring “We are not afraid of you!"
Prior to the protest and Trump’s arrival, the NYPD has prepared by closing off streets and lining up massive sanitation trucks, which are serving as blockades outside the building.
As of this writing, it seems protesters will remain by choice for the duration of President Trump’s stay in his tower.
