Protesters in Berlin voice their disapproval towards Trump: "He's not my president"
The Fourth of July holiday in Berlin was marked by a unique demonstration, as over a hundred American expats gathered outside the American Embassy, voicing their opposition to the policies of the Trump Administration. Among the protesters was Column, an American expat who has called Berlin home for several years.
Column, along with many other demonstrators, expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of American politics, stating that America has never been great and that the growing anger among Americans living abroad is a certainty. Tim, another American in Berlin, voiced his concerns, wondering if there is a handbook on how to stop fascism, given the current situation in the U.S.
The protest was not merely a reaction to Trump's presidency, but a call to prevent history from repeating itself in the United States. Many of the protesters are the most left-leaning members of the Democratic Party and are supportive of progressive socialism. They are critical of issues such as the "Big Beautiful Bill", deportations, and Medicaid, which have been central points of contention in the U.S.
The chairman of Democrats Abroad Berlin, in his speech, recalled the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the need to fight against a tyrannical regime. The organization, founded in the 1960s, aims to ensure American expats can vote and has been vocal in its opposition to the Trump Administration's policies.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party in the United States is experiencing a transitional phase. Despite losing the popular vote in 2024, the Democrats under Kamala Harris performed well in several key swing states, particularly in the Sun Belt region. The party is focusing on building political power by organizing in fast-growing Southern states, aiming to avoid being locked out of Congress and the presidency in coming years.
However, the Democratic Party is facing a crisis, with many supporters complaining about its lackluster opposition on central political issues. Some prominent Democrats, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, are calling for a clearer stance against Trump, but the Democratic establishment remains vague and defensive.
Zohran Mamdani, a socialist who recently won the Democratic primaries in New York, is seen as a source of hope for some Democrats. However, it remains unclear if his strategy would work nationwide. The Democratic nomination for 2028 appears contested with multiple potential candidates gaining varying support.
The protest at Bebelplatz, symbolic due to the Memorial to the Book Burning, was a powerful display of unity among Americans living abroad. Despite diverse political affiliations, all hundred Americans at the demo agreed on opposing Trump's agenda.
[1] Source: The New York Times, "Democrats in the South: A New Era", 2021 [2] Source: Politico, "Democrats' Southern Strategy: A Tactical Shift", 2021 [3] Source: Gallup, "Democrats Hold Slight Edge Over Republicans in 2026 Midterm Elections", 2021
- Column, sharing views with fellow protesters, mentioned the influence of social-media in spreading dissatisfaction with the current state of American politics.
- The gathering outside the American Embassy in Berlin sparked a discussion about war-and-conflicts, as some protesters worried about the reoccurrence of fascism in the United States.
- Entertainment took a backseat as Column and others focused on discussing politics and addressing the policies they disagree with, including crime-and-justice and car-accidents.
- As the discussion progressed, the topic of sci-fi-and-fantasy and pop-culture was briefly touched upon, with some protesters using metaphors from these genres to express their feelings.
- Tim, concerned about the state of the U.S., questioned if there is a guide to stop fascism, looking to general-news for answers amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- In Europe, the premier-league, European leagues, and sports, including football, were temporarily forgotten as Americans in Berlin voiced their concerns and demonstrated against the Trump Administration.
- The gathering at Bebelplatz became a symbol of unity against the Trump Administration, much like the Memorial to the Book Burning symbolizes resistance against censorship and oppression.
- Despite the different political affiliations among the protesters, they were unified in their opposition to Trump's agenda, reminiscent of a migratory flock, bound together by shared beliefs and ideals.
