CODEPINK Protests Donald Trump

On Thursday, December 10, CODEPINK and a group of pro-refugee activists gathered in front of the Trump International Hotel in Washington DC. to denounced GOP presidential Donald Trump’s recent anti-Muslim hate speech, especially against refugees and to call for a boycott of the hotel which is set to open in 2016. On December 7 Trump made a call to ban all Muslim travel to the U.S., and while this might be his most hateful statement yet, it comes as no surprise from a candidate who has a history of making racist xenophobic, and misogynist remarks.

“The spread of Islamophobia by Donald Trump and other American politicians alienates billions of peace-loving Muslims around the world,” said CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. “We will be taking our message right to the Trump building in Washington DC: We welcome both refugees and Muslims into this country, and we honor our sisters and brothers in the Muslim-American community.”

 Protesters held banners reading “Boycott Trump Tower,” “Refugees welcome” and “Stop hatred against immigrants.” Visuals: Impersonator of Donald Trump.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     “I know the United States of America has a long history of providing refuge to the persecuted, a tradition that reflects American values. I would love to see this protection afforded to all the Syrians who have entered the US since the Syrian Peace Revolution in 2011,” said Ghada Mukdad, Syrian refugee living in Texas and active member of the Syrian Civil Coalition. “As a peace activist, I would like to thank President Obama for not taking military intervention against my country. I would rather keep hope alive that in the very near future I’ll be able to return to my home, to the life I left behind three years ago.”

There were a number of other speakers:  Zarinah Shakir of Islamic Perspectives, Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, and Terry O’Neill, President of the National Organization of Women, Reverend Graylan Haglar of the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.

Trump call for a “total and complete shutdown” of all Muslims entering the US, has lead to widespread condemnation of the Republican candidate, with White House spokesperson Josh Earnest saying that the Apprentice star’s comment “dis-qualifies him from serving as president.” However, according to the latest polls, Trump still enjoys a comfortable lead in the Republican primary race, with 35 percent of  voter support.

While some agree with Trump many do not as anti-Trump protests continue around the country against his racist campaign for president.