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Trump: Women are generally better than men
00:51 - Source: CNN

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"We're here to hear their concerns," Boris Epshteyn said

Thousands of people are expected to take part in the "Women's March on Washington"

Washington CNN  — 

Donald Trump’s team plans to hear out the women demonstrators who are heading to Washington to bring attention to their issues, one of the President-elect’s spokesmen said Tuesday.

“We’re here to hear their concerns,” Boris Epshteyn, director of communications for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said on CNN’s “New Day.” “We understand that people have concerns, but we welcome them to our side as well.”

“We hope some will come to D.C. and change their minds instead of protest. Come celebrate with us,” he added.

More than half of women voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, according to exit polls. And Trump was criticized by women’s rights groups and activists during his presidential campaign for lewd comments he made about women and accusations of sexual assault and harassment. Trump denied those charges.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in the “Women’s March on Washington” on January 21, the day after the inauguration. The march was announced in November after Trump was elected.

Inauguration protesters to be barred from National Mall, other sites

The “Women’s March on Washington” was been approved by an interagency task force on Friday, according to the organizers. Attendees will be permitted to gather at the intersection of Independence Ave and Third Ave SW, near the US Capitol.

Fontaine Pearson, one of the march’s organizers, previously said the march is not a protest against Trump but intended to highlight women’s issues, including sexual assault and workplace discrimination.

Epshteyn said he understands that some people are opposed to some of Trump’s positions.

“We very much respect the First Amendment. We understand that people choose to protest,” he said. “As long as they do so within all laws rules and regulations, they’re welcome to do so.”