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Greenpeace activists unfurled a giant banner printed with the word “resist” from a construction crane hanging over the White House on Wednesday.

The environmental group said in a statement on Facebook that the move was in protest against Donald Trump’s “climate denial, racism, misogyny, homophobia and bigotry.”

Seven activists reportedly scaled the crane which is located a few blocks away from the White House in Washington DC.

The climbers then draped a 70-foot by 35-foot banner with “Resist” written in black against a yellow background.

One activist who filmed herself 100 metres above ground on the crane said Greenpeace wanted to send “a message of resistance for our folks who are fighting for human rights, for climate change, for a better world.”

She said: “It was a little chilly out here when we arrived here this morning but it was a lot chillier in the Oval office when President Trump decided to sign those executive orders reinstating the keystone pipeline, reinstating the North Dakota pipe line, taking women’s right to choose away from them.”

The protest comes the day after Mr Trump moved to delay the implementation of dozens of environmental rules and froze new Environmental Protection Agency contracts.

Washington Police Department said in a statement posted on Twitter: “A small group of protestors have engaged in dangerous behaviour in downtown Washington D.C. this morning.

“While we respect everyone’s right to protest, today’s actions are extremely dangerous and unlawful.

“Multiple government resources are being tied up, and unfortunately streets are blocked while first responders try to safely address this matter.”