Thousands hit streets across US to protest against Donald Trump's 'divisive policies'

This marks the largest demonstration since his return to the White House.

Opponents of Trump's policies, which includes federal staff cuts to trade tariffs and eroding civil liberties, held demonstrations in Washington DC, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado, and Los Angeles, among other locations.

In Washington, thousands of demonstrators, including several traveling from across the United States, gathered on the National Mall where dozens of speakers rallied opposition to Trump.

"We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration (that) is causing us to lose our allies across the world, and causing devastation to people here at home," AFP reported quoting Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide.

"They're gutting our government."

In Los Angeles, a woman dressed as a character from dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" waved a large flag with the message: "Get out of my uterus," which is a reference to Trump's anti-abortion policies.

The rallies even extended to some European capitals, where protesters voiced opposition to Trump and his aggressive trade policies.

"What's happening in America is everyone's problem," Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen, told AFP at a London rally.

Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs:

Triggering almost a global trade war, Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs of at least 10 percent on almost all goods from other countries, plus even higher rates for many nations, including friends, but deemed to be “worst offenders”.

Addressing an audience in the Rose Gardens of the White House, including rows of construction helmet-wearing workers, Trump had said, “The tariffs will not be fully reciprocal. I could have done that, I guess. But it would have been tough for a lot of countries."

Trump on Wednesday announced tariffs of at least 10 percent on almost all goods from other countries. Photo courtesy: Videograb

His nearly 50-minute-long speech from the White House Rose Garden was attended by his cabinet and representatives of the US steel and auto industries besides people from the working class. He called April 2 a "Liberation Day" for America.

Among the countries being targeted with reciprocal tariffs are China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Switzerland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and the European Union.