Protests erupt outside of White House as Trump returns from Putin summit
Protesters greeted President Trump as he returned from his summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, on Monday, with dozens gathering outside the White House and yelling “traitor” late into the night.
The impromptu protest, dubbed #OccupyLafayettePark, came after Trump’s controversial press conference with Putin. During the joint presser, Trump refused to denounce Russia’s 2016 election meddling and said both countries were to blame for the current low point in U.S.-Russia relations.
{mosads}Trump’s comments sparked immediate backlash from lawmakers and political commentators on both sides of the aisle.
The protesters on Monday had gathered outside the White House just as the president was returning from his meeting abroad.
Video and photos from the rally show protesters chanting “Putin’s puppet” and “traitor” and carrying signs that read “liar.”
Protesters chant “Traitor” outside White House after #TrumpPutinSummit pic.twitter.com/MYWM1rSjwr
— Andrew Blake (@apblake) July 17, 2018
Putin’s puppet. #OccupyLafayettePark pic.twitter.com/q4i6WgwVkv
— Big Rita (@IAmBirgitta) July 17, 2018
Crowd staying strong at #OccupyLafayettePark. pic.twitter.com/uSKjElOtM2
— Jacob May (@jpmay5) July 17, 2018
WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED FOLKS #OccupyLafayettePark #BASTA pic.twitter.com/ulz9mkknAW
— Ian Mellul (@IanMellul) July 17, 2018
Protesters outside the White House tonight in response to the Putin meeting for something they’ve dubbed #OccupyLafayettePark. Rep. Joaquin Castro showed up, another protest set for tomorrow night.
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) July 17, 2018
Welcome home, Mr. President! #OccupyLafayettePark @MichaelAvenatti @AdamParkhomenko pic.twitter.com/7K0ZFqcXq2
— Ian Mellul (@IanMellul) July 17, 2018
Tuesday: Day 2 of #OccupyLafayettePark at the White House. 7 PM with @MichaelAvenatti. Hundreds came out with just a couple hours notice tonight. Come out, spread the word, and lean on groups you support to blast out the information. This is insanity. Hold him accountable.
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) July 17, 2018
It is unclear how many people joined the protest, though people in attendance said there were “hundreds” who came on last-minute notice for the rally.
A second protest is planned for Tuesday night.
Some protesters say they plan to continue protesting outside the White House until Trump resigns.
On Friday, special counsel Robert Mueller indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers for allegedly hacking Democratic officials and entities during the 2016 presidential race.
Many had called on Trump to confront Putin about the indictments during their meeting in Helsinki.
Instead, Trump said during the news conference that he doesn’t see any reason why Russia would interfere in the United States’ presidential election, pointing to Putin’s denials.
“He just said it’s not Russia,” Trump said. “I will say this, I don’t see any reason why it would be.”
