Pro and anti-Trump protesters gather outside Auckland's US Consulate

Name: Anti-Trump march in Auckland
Uploaded: 2017-01-21T15:26:30+13:00
Duration: 14 s
Description: Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the United States Consulate General building in downtown Auckland to both object and celebrate President Trump's inauguration.

By Sam Hurley

NZ Herald Print Editor·NZ Herald·

21 Jan, 2017 02:46 AM2 mins to read

Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the United States Consulate General building in downtown Auckland to both object and celebrate President Trump's inauguration.

Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the United States Consulate General building in downtown Auckland to object to and celebrate President Trump's inauguration.

A clear divide in political opinion was projected by those who gathered at the entrance to the building on Customs St.

Hundreds of people also participated in a women against Trump demonstration on Queen St.

Earlier today in Washington DC, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States.

Several anti-Trump protesters held placards reading "Trump is hate, resistance is love". An LGBT flag and several red flags, a symbol of far left socialism, were also displayed.

The United States flag was not flying from its usual mast at the front of the consulate, but one couple were seen displaying the Stars and Stripes.

Supporters of President Trump were also highly vocal, with one man wearing a red "Make America Great Again" cap.

Upstate New York social worker Jackson, who declined to give his last name, told the Herald he joined the protest in "solidarity against Trump", but was disappointed to see far left demonstrators using the platform to push alternative messages.

"Trump is a threat to US democracy and Western values. He is a con-man masquerading as a Republican," he said.

"He has manipulated white middle class voters. He's making a mockery of our Oval Office."

Jackson, who travelled to New Zealand for a working holiday, said Trump's Cabinet was "unqualified".

"But, just because I have issues with Trump doesn't mean I don't criticise Obama. I have every right to criticise our appointed officials, especially the President of the United States."

Disturbed by the unrest and anti-Trump rioting in the streets of Washington DC today, he hoped all Americans would be able to have an intelligent conversation on the direction of the US.

"We need to be able to have a conversation with dignity and respect, if we can't do that then we will go nowhere. Peaceful discourse is the only way through."