Countrywide Protests Erupt Against Trump as his Approval Ratings Plummet

Donald Trump is facing a wave of public dissent as his approval rating hits alarming lows. A recent Gallup survey indicates that only 36% of Americans support the president, while 60% disapprove. His standing is also weak on key issues such as crime, foreign policy, trade, immigration, the economy, the federal budget, and healthcare.

Last week, the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers promised solutions to soaring health insurance premiums but have yet to present any concrete plan. Millions of Americans are now bracing for significant increases in their insurance costs.

Monday marked World AIDS Day, a day to honor the millions lost to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and continue global efforts against the disease. However, the U.S. government opted not to officially observe the day this year, reflecting cuts to programs such as PEPFAR, the bipartisan initiative originally launched under George W. Bush, which has provided life-saving HIV treatment worldwide. Activist groups including ACT UP Philadelphia and Health GAP staged traffic disruptions near the White House, making it clear that public dissent is escalating.

Across the nation, protests are intensifying despite the holiday season. In New York City, demonstrators confronted federal agents in downtown Manhattan to block an immigration raid. Many participants were spontaneous bystanders who joined upon witnessing federal immigration enforcement in action. One local advocate described the demonstration as organic, emphasizing community solidarity.

In New Orleans, residents rallied around Taqueria Guerrero, purchasing out the restaurant to protect staff and patrons from federal agents until the enforcement operations ended.

In Ohios Butler County, predominantly older residents, including retirees, regularly attend commissioner meetings to oppose the countys cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, demonstrating local pushback even in Republican strongholds. One protester, an 82-year-old, expressed a sense of civic duty in participating.

In Indiana, activists gathered at the statehouse to pressure Republicans against complying with Trumps demands to redraw congressional districts. The presidents recent offensive remarks about people with developmental disabilities prompted State Sen. Michael Bohacek, a Republican with a daughter with Down syndrome, to oppose the redistricting plan.

Nationwide, protests have also targeted corporations collaborating with federal enforcement. Home Depot faced demonstrations over its association with ICE, while Avelo Airlines was criticized for deportation flights. At Albany International Airport, protesters symbolically highlighted the treatment of deportees by bringing chains to the demonstration. In Portland, Oregon, Apple stores were picketed for complying with the administrations requests to remove apps that alert users about immigration enforcement operations.

Economic pressure has historically proven effective in creating change. Monday also marked 70 years since Rosa Parks defiance sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, an act of economic protest that lasted 382 days and ultimately ended segregation on public buses. Such historical examples highlight the power of organized public action.

Trumps unpopularity and the nations history of civic engagement underline a clear message: Americans have the tools and the tradition to resist policies and actions they view as unjust, whether through protest, boycotts, or holding officials accountable.

Author: Sophia Brooks