Anti-Trump protesters flood DC on July 4 as '86-47' signs and impeachment chants go viral

Protesters chanted anti-Trump slogans after Washington's Independence Day parade was canceled because of an extreme heat warning
Hundreds marched through Washington, DC, protesting President Donald Trump during America's 250th anniversary celebrations (@GoadGatsby/X)
Hundreds marched through Washington, DC, protesting President Donald Trump during America's 250th anniversary celebrations (@GoadGatsby/X)

WASHINGTON, DC: Hundreds of protesters marched through Washington, DC, on Independence Day, staging demonstrations critical of President Donald Trump as the nation marked its 250th anniversary.

Despite temperatures approaching 100 degrees, demonstrators marched through the city carrying signs and banners, including a large replica of the US Constitution.

Videos circulating on social media showed marchers holding signs reading "We the People 250" and "Free DC" while chanting slogans and marching alongside a band.



Anti-Trump protesters march through Washington

Many demonstrators carried signs reading "86-47," a slogan used by some protesters to call for Trump's removal from office.

President Donald Trump speaks during Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump speaks during Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Others chanted, "Love not Hate Makes America Great!" and "Impeach, Remove!" Another large banner read, "Will Democracy Last Another 250?" as marchers continued through the streets.

The demonstrations took place after the National Park Service canceled Washington's scheduled Independence Day parade because of an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.

Patriot Front marches through Washington on July 4

According to reports, members of Patriot Front also gathered in Washington on the same day ahead of the evening's Independence Day celebrations.

The group, described by the Anti-Defamation League as a white supremacist organization, marched wearing matching clothing and face coverings. 



Some participants carried the group's flags, Confederate flags, and an upside-down American flag while chanting "Reclaim America."

Reuters reported that members later boarded Metro trains and exited in New Carrollton, Maryland. No arrests were reported by the Metropolitan Police Department.

Zohran Mamdani, Bill Clinton react to America 250 

The demonstrations came as political leaders reflected on the country's anniversary.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, without naming Trump, said during a speech that "those ideals upon which our nation was built - they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them."

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers a speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States at City Hall on Friday, July 3, 2026 in New York. (Anna Connors/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers a speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States at City Hall on Friday, July 3, 2026 in New York (Anna Connors/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Former President Bill Clinton also commented on the milestone, saying the country faces "renewed questions about America's future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and to our democracy itself."



While criticizing "the people in charge," he added that "there is still nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what's right with America." The protests unfolded as President Trump was scheduled to participate in Independence Day events in Washington later in the evening.

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