Millions to Unite in ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump: A Call for Change

Millions are expected to rally against the Trump administration across about 2,000 locations in a demonstration named “No Kings.” This protest coincides with Trump’s military parade and his birthday. Interest has surged after Trump deployed National Guard and US Marine Corps troops to Los Angeles to address largely peaceful protests against heightened deportations.

Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible, shared that the No Kings Day map shows hundreds of new events, with hundreds of thousands registering. The protesters plan to express their views against Trump’s actions, which they say threaten civil rights and government accountability.

Interestingly, No Kings is not organizing anything in Washington, D.C. Instead, they aim to shift the spotlight away from the military parade. Philadelphia will be the site of a major march, while D.C. hosts a “DC Joy Day,” celebrating community and culture.

There’s a strategy behind this choice. Levin noted, “We wanted to avoid giving Trump an opportunity to label us as protesting the military.” They want to show a broad opposition to Trump throughout the country, making it clear that resistance exists beyond the capital.

Past protests, like the “Hands Off” movement, drew millions nationwide. Levin anticipates that No Kings could surpass this turnout, even amid Trump’s warnings of strong police presence. During a recent press conference, Trump claimed that protesters “hate our country” and threatened them with significant force, though his press secretary later clarified that he supports peaceful demonstrations.

Even in the face of potential violence, activists are preparing thoroughly. Trainings focused on rights and safety have seen participation soar, with over 18,000 people joining an ACLU call to discuss protest strategies. There’s notable discussion on how to respond if protests escalate. Some suggest sitting down to avoid confrontation, but organizers caution against one-size-fits-all responses.

In Los Angeles, tensions remain high as troops are deployed in response to growing anti-ICE sentiment. Hunter Dunn, involved in organizing protests, noted the situation has worsened government actions in the area. “We’re facing real threats from our government,” he said, underlining the urgency of the protests.

In Minnesota, Heather Friedli is rallying support for similar actions. Following the unrest after George Floyd’s murder, locals are wary of potential federal crackdowns. Still, she believes the community is ready to mobilize.

Many Americans feel the country is at a crucial point, especially with Trump’s use of military force against protests. Levin points out that this moment is just one of many. He sees it as an opportunity to strengthen grassroots movements and build momentum for future actions.

In conclusion, while the protests may not lead to immediate change, activists view them as vital steps in a broader effort to protect democracy. “This is about building a community,” Levin emphasized, highlighting the importance of collective action.



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