Less than a week in office, Donald Trump faces further protests on his doorstep, this time environmentalists take the fight to Washington
The response from Greenpeace to Donald Trump’s decision to revive two major oil pipeline projects – a giant banner that reads ‘RESIST’.
“If you were to be sitting in the south lawn of the White House, the Ellipse, right now, you would see this banner framed against the White House. And the symbolism of that, of course, is that we re here specifically to protest this administration,” explained Jason Schwartz, a media officer at Greenpeace.
Environmental activists scaled a crane just blocks from the White House to protest what they say is Trump’s climate denial, racism, bigotry and misogyny.
RESIST
#Greenpeace ain't having it today! Massive “Resist” banner hangs on construction crane 1 day after Donnie moves forward w/ #Dakota pipeline. pic.twitter.com/PIDCgCJVDQ
— B. Scott (@lovebscott) January 25, 2017
On the morning the new administration threatens mass deportations and a wall to separate my people, I am honored to stand in resistance pic.twitter.com/7zRpNZo1Ru
— nancypili (@nancypili) January 25, 2017
Pearl from the top of the crane in RESISTANCE to racism, misogyny, homophobia, and bigotry! #ResistOftenhttps://t.co/QwMxdp2B1H
— Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) January 25, 2017
Environment vs Fossil fuels
One day earlier, the new president resurrected the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access Pipeline, it is the latest move to erase his predecessor’s legacy. The projects had become a key battleground between environmentalists and the fossil fuel industry, as well as Native Americans, before Obama blocked them.
Making good on campaign promises, Trump said the projects would create thousands of construction jobs. He has also promised to slash US environmental regulation as a way to promote oil drilling and mining.
However, its clear he will face stiff resistance from those who want to protect the environment.