Thousands take to the streets across US over Trump victory

Thousands of protesters across the US took to the streets in demonstrations against Republican Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.

Protesters held up placards, flags and effigies of the President-elect, denouncing his campaign that focused on immigration and Muslims.

In New York, protesters chanted slogans with an effigy of Donald Trump. Credit: Reuters

On Wednesday evening, thousands thronged streets in midtown Manhattan near the billionaire's 58-storey Trump Tower while at a park further downtown hundreds who had gathered screamed "Not my president."

Some protesters set an American flag alight as they reached Trump Tower.

Protesters set alight to a US flag. Credit: Reuters
Protesters gathered outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan. Credit: Reuters

In Chicago, some 1,000 people attempted to gather outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower chanting: "No Trump! No KKK! No racist USA."

Chicago police closed roads in the area, blocking the demonstrators' path.

Chicago protesters chanted: chanting: 'No Trump! No KKK! No racist USA' Credit: Reuters

Rallies were also reportedly held in Boston, Detroit, Oregon, Washington and Philadelphia.

In Austin, the Texas capital, about 400 people staged a march through the city's streets, police said.

A rally in opposition to Trump in Boston. Credit: Reuters

  • Aerial video of a protest in Philadelphia

Earlier on Wednesday, some 1,500 California students and teachers rallied in the courtyard of Berkeley High School, a San Francisco Bay Area city known for its progressive politics, before marching toward the campus of the University of California, Berkeley.

University of California, Davis students protest on campus. Credit: Reuters

Hundreds of high school and college students also walked out in protest in Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles and three other cities in the Bay Area, Richmond, El Cerrito and Oakland.

There were more peaceful demonstrations outside the White House in Washington, where people stood with candles and placards calling on American's to stand against bigotry and Islamophobia.

People gathered with candles outside the White House on Wednesday. Credit: RTV
Donald Trump's election victory has led to a wide range of emotions. Credit: RTV
A protester in Washington DC calls for people to stand against Islamophobia. Credit: RTV

A representative of the Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment about the protests.

But in his victory speech, Trump said he would be president for all Americans, saying, "It is time for us to come together as one united people."