Natalie Delgadillo
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In the wake of President Donald Trump’s summit with Russia, in which he said he believed Putin’s claims not to have interfered in the 2016 election despite information from his own intelligence agencies, Twitter exploded. The hashtag #TreasonSummit started trending, and local activists began planning real-life demonstrations to express their displeasure. (Trump has since said he misspoke.)
As Trump made his way back from Helsinki where the summit was held, Adam Parkhomenko, a Hillary Clinton political advisor, tweeted out a call to protesters to meet at 8:30 p.m. in Lafayette Square and protest Trump’s arrival. A few hours afterward, #OccupyLafayetteSquare was trending.
Keep spreading the word! 8:30 PM in Washington DC! #OccupyLafayetteSquare is now trending!!! Great job!
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) July 17, 2018
It’s unclear exactly how many people showed up to the protest last night, but photos show a pretty fully park. At some point, Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas showed up.
This is one of those moments in DC where you just need to ditch what you are doing and head to the White House. #OccupyLafayettePark pic.twitter.com/ViWXC4Cx0T
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) 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
As plans for the first protest got underway, organizers got in touch with Stormy Daniels’ lawyer Michael Avenatti, asking if he could help or be present. He offered to show up Tuesday, and the second day of protest was born, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the same location.
Parkhomenko tweeted that he expects Tuesday’s demonstration to be much larger than Monday’s. Rachel Maddow tweeted about it on Tuesday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the National Park Service told DCist that the agency doesn’t currently have a permit application in for this protest.
I could help and be present tmrw (Tues).
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 16, 2018
Exciting news: I just got off the phone with @MichaelAvenatti who is cheering on #OccupyLafayettePark and he’s coming to DC for night two: Tuesday at 7 PM. Spread the word and let’s make sure we build on what’s taking place tonight in a big way tomorrow! #basta
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) July 17, 2018
Second night of white house protests tomorrow/Tuesday… https://t.co/VqlTtRrPGW
— Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) July 17, 2018
The latest update as of Tuesday afternoon: organizers are seeking donations for their very own Trump baby blimp.
Chip in to efforts to get our very own Trump Baby Blimp here in the U.S. and help piss off Donald Trump! Pass it on #OccupyLafayettePark https://t.co/WAqEIWgYkD
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) July 17, 2018
