Thousands march against Trump in S.F. But it’s a far cry from 2016 protests

On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, thousands gathered at Civic Center Plaza in front of San Francisco City Hall on Sunday, vowing to resist.  

But unlike the mass demonstrations that accompanied Trump’s first term in office — the largest in U.S. history, which brought out millions of ordinary Americans less accustomed to taking streets — Sunday’s march was led by socialist groups and featured a hodgepodge of leftist issues. 

Speakers led “Free Palestine” chants, railed against deportations, and even called for a unified Korea without U.S military bases. Trump was a through line, but not always the focus of the march.

The many in the Bay Area who voted against Trump, for the most part, stayed home. Although it did draw more people than Saturday’s march focused on immigrant and reproductive rights as well as climate change.  

“We come together, as we always do, when there’s a heightened threat of more war, poverty, sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and environmental destruction” said Ramsey Robinson, who spoke on behalf of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. “We fight back,” he added.  

The rally was organized by a coalition of leftist organizations, including Mission Advocates, the Colectiva de Mujeres, and unions including the United Educators of San Francisco and Unite Here Local 2, the hospitality workers’ union. 

Speakers voiced their concerns for issues beyond concerns about Trump: namely, climate change, the Israeli occupation in Palestine and immigrants’ and workers’ rights. 

“We know that the cease fire is the bare minimum, and we know that the fight ahead is long,” said a speaker for the Palestinian Youth Movement.“It is only just beginning, and we need to continue to show up for Palestine.” 

Most participants who spoke to Mission Local were involved in activism and organizing in some capacity; few were attending a protest for the first time. While at least hundreds attended, the size crowd was a far cry from the protests that took over the city in 2016 when Trump was first elected. 

“I wish there were more [people]” said Jason Capili. “I feel like more people are resigned. It’s worrisome because this time we need to get up twice as hard.” 

Others shared the same sentiment.

“Some people are fired up,” said Donna Wallach, a participant who traveled from San Jose to attend the rally. “Others feel hopeless and powerless,” she added.  

Greg Shore, another participant, echoed the same concern that some people are more complacent now. 77 million people voted for Trump, he said, “It’s beyond comprehension.” 

Bao, another participant who happened to stumble upon the event while heading to the library, was concerned about how voters are informing themselves. Trump is a convicted felon, they said. “Did people know? If they did, then all hope is lost right?” they added. 

Bao decided to pick up a sign advocating for reproductive and trans rights. “Let’s keep protesting,” they said. 

The rally eventually mobilized and marched down Market Street, chanting. “When people’s rights are under attack, what do we do?” speakers shouted over the microphone. “Fight back” the crowd cheered.