[OPINION] Why ‘Trump Out’?

When US President Donald Trump arrives in Manila next week for the 49th ASEAN Summit, he will be greeted not only by the red carpet rolled but by the Philippine government but by the red flags and banners of thousands of Filipinos protesting his visit.

Under the slogan “Trump Out,” various activist groups, people’s organizations and social movements have declared 12 days of protest from November 4 until Trump’s arrival on Monday, November 16.

Why protest the visit of the leader of a country that our government considers its closest and most important ally?

Trump is arguably the most racist, misogynistic, arrogant, and self-serving president in modern US history. And that’s from the point of view of many Americans themselves as shown by the result of the recent US midterm elections.

His political career has been built on demonizing immigrants, vilifying Muslims, degrading women, attacking minorities, and cultivating fear and hatred on those he considers enemies.

His administration’s brutal crackdown on undocumented immigrants has torn families apart, militarized communities, and subjected suspected people of color to arbitrary detention and deportation. His attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly surrounding gender, race, religion, and reproductive rights have emboldened right wing forces who want to reverse decades of social progress.