A protest took place in Bournemouth Square last night as local residents gathered to voice opposition to Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
Organised by the Bournemouth branch of Stand Up to Racism, protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, including “Reject Reform” and derogatory comments aimed at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Pete Wearden, a committee member of Stand Up to Racism Bournemouth, said the protest aimed to challenge what he described as the growing global influence of far-right ideologies.
He criticised Trump’s character, calling him a “self-confessed misogynist” whose presidency empowers bigotry.
Mr Wearden said: “It’s giving confidence to every racist, anti-trans and misogynist bigot confidence to express their hatred. We’re going to push it back.”
Trump, who has faced repeated accusations of racism, denied such claims in 2018, telling a reporter in a video, “No, no, I’m not a racist. I am the least racist person you have ever interviewed, that I can tell you.”
Protester Lambski, who declined to give his full name, argued that Trump’s rhetoric has direct implications for local communities like Bournemouth.
He highlighted the struggles of asylum seekers fleeing wars and economic disasters, saying; “They’re only trying to survive but are being demonised and blamed for all the ills in society.”
Lambski also warned that Trump’s policies could escalate global far-right activism. He said; “While he’s gained populist votes to stop wars, he’s creating political turmoil with racism and Islamophobia.
“Along with Elon Musk, it’s going to fuel Islamophobia and there’s going to be an upsurge in far-right activism and all that kind of bad energy that’s going to be poured into Britain.”
Fern Benamor, a student who joined the protest, raised concerns about Trump’s stance on human rights. He claimed; “From abortion rights to trans healthcare, every single opinion he has is fascist.”
“I don’t know why he’s allowed to be president. ”
Benamor also drew connections between US and UK politics, saying the two countries often follow similar trends. “It’s concerning because we’ve just come out of a Tory government, and the current Labour government isn’t much better,” he said.
The Bournemouth demonstration is one of many held globally, as opposition to Trump’s presidency and its broader implications continues to grow.
Demonstrators emphasised the need to address rising divisions and support marginalised communities.
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