WASHINGTON (AFP) - Greenpeace activists unfurled a large banner with the word "Resist" from a construction crane blocks from the White House on Wednesday (Jan 25) to protest against President Donald Trump.

The environmental group said on its Facebook page that the gesture targets what it called Trump's climate denial, racism, misogyny, homophobia, and bigotry.

Seven activists clambered up the crane and hung from it the 20 metre by 10 metre banner with "Resist" in black against a yellow and orange background.

As of mid-morning, two activists were dangling from the crane by cables. Pedestrians gathered below to watch, some shouting in support of the protest.

The stretch of Washington's 15th Street where the crane is located was closed to traffic.

The banner was visible from the White House residence.

"People in this country are ready to resist and rise up in ways they have never done before," said Greenpeace Inc. Board chair Karen Topakian.

"While Trump's disdain and disrespect for our democratic institutions scare me, I am so inspired by the multigenerational movement of progress that is growing in every state. Greenpeace has used nonviolence to resist tyrannical bullies since 1971, and we're not going to stop now," Topakian added.

"The sun has risen this morning on a new America, but it isn't Donald Trump's," said Pearl Robinson, one of the activists who unfurled the banner.

"I fear not only the policies of the incoming administration, but also the people emboldened by this election to commit acts of violence and hate. Now is the time to resist," Robinson said.