Photos: Across the U.S., protesters denounce election of Donald Trump

Thousands of protesters declared that President-elect Donald Trump did not represent them in rallies staged in Washington, New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Oakland, California, and other cities nationwide late Wednesday.

A woman cries while taking part in an anti-Trump candlelight vigil in front of the White House in Washington November 9, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

A woman cries while taking part in an anti-Trump candlelight vigil in front of the White House in Washington. Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Protesters burned flags, beat piñatas, blocked traffic, raised signs and chanted slogans that displayed dismay and outrage at targets spanning from systemic racism to the Electoral College, as well as with fear of what awaits the country after Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration, according to the Associated Press.

People gather in protest to the election of Republican Donald Trump as the president of the United States in Seattle, Washington. REUTERS/Jason Redmond

People gather in protest to the election in Seattle. Photo by Jason Redmond/Reuters

On social media, the hashtag #NotMyPresident trended on Twitter. There, people began to share anxious and angry messages, challenging the legitimacy of Trump’s election. While Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won the nation’s popular vote, Trump won the most electoral votes, NPR reported.

Krystina Robinson of Las Vegas carries a placard in protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, across from the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada. REUTERS/David Becker

Krystina Robinson of Las Vegas carries a placard in protest. Photo by David Becker/Reuters

Both on social media and in the streets, people expressed concern about the nation’s direction after Trump’s election. Outside the White House, protesters in Washington chanted “Donald Trump is not my president” late Wednesday, local media reported. During a candlelight vigil nearby, people cried just blocks from the site of Trump’s new hotel near 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Protesters against president-elect Donald Trump march peacefully through Oakland, California. A separate group earlier in the night set fire to garbage bins and smashed multiple windows. REUTERS/Noah Berger

Protesters against President-elect Donald Trump march peacefully through Oakland, California. A separate group earlier in the night set fire to garbage bins and smashed multiple windows. Photo by Noah Berger/Reuters

Protesters march against Republican Donald Trump's victory in Tuesday's U.S. presidential election in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. REUTERS/Mark Makela

Protesters march against Donald Trump in Philadelphia. Photo by Mark Makela/Reuters

Demonstrators gather near Trump Tower in New York. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Demonstrators gather near Trump Tower in New York. Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Berkeley High student Ariana Melton, 16, holds a sign during a protest in response to the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States in Berkeley, California. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage

Berkeley High student Ariana Melton, 16, holds a sign during a protest in response to the election of in Berkeley, California. Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters

Protesters demonstrate across the street from Trump Tower after the election selected Republican president-elect Donald Trump in New York, New York. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Protesters demonstrate across the street from Trump Tower in New York. Photo by Carlo Allegri/Reuters