The President marked the first anniversary of his second term by touting his accomplishments.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump marked one year since being sworn in as the nation’s 47th president on Tuesday, pointing to lower gas prices and a federal law-and-order push as key accomplishments. Meanwhile, protesters gathered in Washington and elsewhere to denounce his administration’s actions.
Speaking at events marking the anniversary, Trump highlighted falling fuel costs, claiming prices had dropped sharply from levels seen under the previous administration.
“Look at gasoline,” Trump said. “They have places in the country now, $1.99 a gallon. … The average now they’re saying is $2.31.”
Not far from the White House, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Pershing Park, criticizing Trump’s policies and recent personnel decisions.
“I was angry from the moment that he hired Elon Musk to just destroy our institutions,” said one protester, who accused the administration of acting without care or thoughtfulness.
Trump also defended his decision to deploy National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers to Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities, saying the moves made the country safer.
Opponents disputed that assessment, pointing to ongoing immigration enforcement actions by federal agents and a recent fatal shooting involving law enforcement in Minneapolis that protesters said galvanized opposition to the administration.
“The policies of this administration, particularly having to do with the actions of ICE,” one demonstrator said, citing the killing of Renee Good nearly two weeks ago as a turning point for many critics.
Trump, meanwhile, said crime in the nation’s capital has dropped dramatically.
“Crime down in D.C. is almost down to nothing,” he said, calling the city previously “a very dangerous place.”
Those rallying in Washington on the anniversary said the moment demands urgent action, especially as they warn of threats to local governance in the District.
“We have to stand up now and fight back and protect D.C.,” one protester said. “Because right now, in every way they can take away our home rule, they’re coming.”
Trump also used the anniversary to defend U.S. military actions against Iran and Venezuela and to reiterate threats to take control of Greenland, positions that continue to draw sharp criticism from opponents at home and abroad.