Anti-Trump protests take place across the US as people demand the president release his tax returns

Anti-Trump demonstrations have taken place across the country, with thousands turning out to protest the president's refusal to release his tax returns.

Protests were planned for 150 cities across the country including Los Angeles, Washington D.C, and in Florida near Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, where he was spending the weekend.

Nine people were arrested in protests that took place at Berkeley, in clashes between pro and anti-Trump protesters.

A statement on the Tax March website read: "Throughout his campaign, Donald Trump told the American people he would release his tax returns. Despite intense public pressure, President Trump has not yet done so – breaking with 40 years of precedent in the process.

"His administration's excuse? `People don't care.' We do care. Without seeing his tax returns, we have no idea what he's hiding."

Despite the numerous gatherings around the US on the 15 April date to submit tax returns, the president managed to avoid protesters – taking a longer route to his Mar-a-Lago resort to steer clear of marchers.

Among the placards carried by demonstrators in Florida was a sign that read: "Twinkle twinkle little Czar, Putin put you where you are."

However, initial number estimates suggest a lower turnout than for the Women's Marches that took place following Trump's inauguration.

The leading Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Ron Wyden, said at the DC rally in comments carried by USA Today: "My message for the president is short enough to tweet. Today across America we are taking the gloves off.

"It's time to knock off the tax rip offs. No more Cayman Island accounts for the insiders. No more tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas. No more special breaks for Wall Street."