When Donald Trump’s election to the American presidency became real early Wednesday, supporters of his opponent Hillary Clinton were stunned by an upset victory largely missed by media forecasts and television pundits.
Many grieved. Some protested in the streets. And some, it seems, opened up their wallets.
The American Civil Liberties Union reported that more than 14,000 online donations flowed in to the organization after Trump was elected, adding up to about $940,000. The ACLU had made a statement vowing to “fight against any encroachment on our cherished freedoms and rights” should he act on campaign pledges to deport 11 million people living in the country illegally or ban Muslims from entering the country.
The organization underscored that message with a prominent banner on its homepage with the words “see you in court” next to Donald Trump’s face and a “donate” button.
"In terms of online donations in a single-day, it far exceeds anything we've seen before," the ACLU's chief development officer Mark Weir told Business Insider.
Nor was the ACLU the only beneficiary of increased donations. Users on Twitter called for donations to other organizations supporting women and minorities including Planned Parenthood, the NAACP and those embracing LGBTQ causes.
A good time to start a monthly Planned Parenthood donation for all the women who will need basic care more than ever https://t.co/Vl3qhf3WkB
— Jia Tolentino (@jiatolentino) November 9, 2016
So yeah... Today might be a good day to donate to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU & any number of other suddenly VERY important organizations.
— Wilson Bethel (@WilsonBethel) November 9, 2016
We can still do good: Protect minorities, immigrants, women & LGBTQ+. Donate to Planned Parenthood. Vote for midterms.
— Anna Akana (@AnnaAkana) November 9, 2016
The past 24h have me worried about my family's finances, but I found $ to donate to @plannedparenthood, @aclu, @eff. Dig deep and make ready
— Cory Doctorow (@doctorow) November 9, 2016
In a statement released after Trump’s election Wednesday, Planned Parenthood said it would remain committed to keeping its doors open “to ensure that Planned Parenthood patients have access to the care they need.”
“Health care should not be political. Every morning, Planned Parenthood health center staff across the country wake up and open their doors, as they have this morning, to care for anyone who needs them, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, income, or country of origin,” the statement read. “They will do so today, they will do so tomorrow, they will do so every day as they have for 100 years.”
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