
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza in Portland last Saturday to protest policies proposed by former President Donald Trump as he runs for another term. The protest focused on issues like immigration reform, healthcare, and reproductive rights, with a diverse crowd concerned about the nation's future, according to KOIN.
Portland's rally was part of the nationwide People's March for rights. Event organizer Helena Bartkowski told KATU, "It’s easy to feel helpless, and despondent, I was looking for something that I could do, something that I could join. I’m really grateful that I was able to do this, that we were able to do this," adding, "It makes me feel more empowered and we are capable of change and I am capable of change."
Leah Coiteux of Camas, Washington, was disappointed by the lower turnout and energy at this year's event compared to the 2017 Women's March in Washington D.C., saying, "It seemed to have a lot more energy last time." She expressed concern over the Trump administration's potential impact on reproductive rights, particularly the possibility of stricter abortion laws. Coiteux also added, "I think it’s a little depressing that people would vote for (Trump) twice," as reported by OPB.