Thousands of Americans Rally in Lisbon Against Trump, Echoing April 25th Revolution

Protest Against Trump in Lisbon

On Saturday, hundreds of Americans living in Portugal gathered in Lisbon to protest against the Trump administration, organized by activists with strong ties to the country. The event featured numerous references to the April 25th Revolution and the importance of freedom of expression.

Caryl Hallberg, a 73-year-old Democrat, shared her journey of choosing Portugal as her home after traveling across Europe. She was inspired by the story of the Carnation Revolution during a dinner with friends, stating, "It's a special place. I thought, 'this is where I want to live.'"

Despite distancing herself from the party, Caryl has remained active in political movements, previously supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaign. She believes it is possible to fight against Trump's policies from abroad, alongside other Americans who feel outraged by the current direction of the U.S. government. "We know what fascism is, and that's what's happening," she expressed, voicing concerns over cuts to pensions affecting some Americans in Portugal.

Caryl criticized Trump for "destroying commerce" with tariffs and noted the devaluation of the dollar, which she experiences firsthand when exchanging dollars for euros.

Under the slogan “Hands Off,” various placards were displayed urging the U.S. president to respect the Constitution and civil rights. Caryl emphasized their commitment to peaceful protests, stating, "We follow the Portuguese example."

Jaiy Conboy, 72, added a musical touch to the protest, performing his song "I Will Not Be Silent". He expressed outrage over Trump’s actions, particularly his relationships with adversaries like Putin and his disregard for the Constitution. "He's causing chaos! And chaos is his objective. It's all about power," Jaiy lamented.

At the Praça do Comércio, Jail Kent, 73, held a sign featuring Elon Musk, stating, "My father fought the Nazis in Europe 80 years ago." She reflected on her family's history during World War II, asserting that her Republican relatives would not support Trump. "These people are fascists. It's horrible; they are taking our rights," she said, highlighting the sentiments of many at the protest.

According to organizers, the protest attracted about 700 participants, many holding signs adorned with carnations, symbolizing the revolution and advocating for freedom of expression. A poignant message read: "What America needs, Portugal knows."