Protests erupt across US over Trump's policies

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Protests erupt across US over Trump's policies

2025-07-18 15:31 Last Updated At：19:07

Protesters across all 50 U.S. states rallied against President Donald Trump's policies, including cutting essential benefits, on Thursday, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the death of John Lewis, the civil rights icon.

A wave of 1,500 to 1,600 protests swept across the United States as part of the "Good Trouble Lives On" national day of action, a widespread response to Trump and his policies.

This day of action, which honors the legacy of the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, embodies Lewis' call for people to engage in "good trouble, necessary trouble" to advance their causes, serving as the foundation for the Thursday protests.

Protests took place along streets, at courthouses, and in other public spaces. Organizers stated that people from communities, both large and small, have participated in the protests. Their collective message emphasizes the desire for change, utilizing the fifth anniversary of John Lewis' death to amplify their voices.

"We're resisting against the imperialism of Trump's policies. We are really feeling that he is not listening to the American people, he is just doing what he wants. He is taking away important benefits such as SNAP benefits and lunches for children in education. We also are protesting the fact that he has cut funding for national parks, libraries. These are vital resources to communities, especially rural communities that have very little resources as they are. And to lose those, it's going to make it even harder for them," said a protester.

SNAP refers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.

UN chief urges diplomacy amid US military threats against Iran: spokesperson

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the U.S. rhetoric suggesting possible intervention in the situation in Iran, urging all parties to pursue diplomacy and dialogue in line with the principles of the UN Charter, his spokesperson said on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is weighing "some very strong options," including potential military action against Iran amid the unrest across the Middle East country.

At a press briefing Monday at the UN Headquarters in New York, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, conveyed Guterres' alarm over the remarks.

"The rhetoric that we've heard around the situation in Iran, which is concerning to him (Guterres), and he encourages all to adopt a path of diplomacy and dialogue," said Dujarric.

"We push for dialogue, and I think the [UN] Charter is very clear on your question," Dujarric said when asked whether foreign intervention might help resolve the crisis. The UN Charter enshrines core principles including the sovereign equality of all states, non-intervention in the affairs of other states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

These norms were further reinforced by the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law, adopted by the UN General Assembly, which explicitly states that no state or group of states has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other state.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall in the national currency rial and long-standing economic hardships. The reported death toll from the unrest on both sides of the security forces and civilians is mounting.