Massive ‘No Kings’ Protest in Downtown St. Louis Draws Thousands Against Trump

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, over a thousand people gathered in downtown St. Louis for the "No Kings" protest. This demonstration is part of a larger movement against President Trump’s policies, particularly his immigration stance and a military parade planned for his birthday.

Participants arrived from various regions, creating a lively atmosphere despite the weather. Kelli Rae Patton expressed her feelings about the current administration. “I’m here to resist policies that are frightening and harmful,” she said, highlighting issues like targeted violence and deportations.

Madeline Finn attended her second protest of the day. She emphasized unity, saying, “There shouldn’t be a divide between the county and the city.” She mentioned her personal connections to those affected by the president’s policies, showcasing the emotional impact of the situation.

Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush spoke passionately at the event, challenging Trump’s immigration policies and denouncing his actions following the January 6 incident. “He’s nobody’s king,” she declared, receiving cheers from the crowd. Bush believes in St. Louis’s resilience, stating, “We know how to fight.”

The protest started at Kiener Plaza and included a march that spanned downtown. Notably, there were over 30 similar protests planned across Missouri and Illinois that day.

Recent tensions around immigration had escalated nationwide. Fires sparked in Los Angeles as protests turned confrontational due to Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, a move criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Historically, this was unprecedented; it was the first time since 1965 a president called upon troops without a governor’s request. Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center noted the implications for civil liberties during such moves.

In Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe activated the National Guard in response to peaceful protests, raising eyebrows among critics. Finn described the governor’s move as exaggerated, pointing out that real emergencies, like tornado damage, didn’t warrant a swift National Guard response. Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez echoed her sentiments: “It took two weeks for the National Guard to respond to the storm but just two days for a protest.”

Missouri’s Republican senators spoke against the protests on social media, with allegations of outside influence and funding that remain unsubstantiated. These narratives underscore the polarized nature of current political discourse.

Meanwhile, Trump’s birthday coincided with a large military parade in Washington D.C., planned for the Army’s 250th anniversary. Critics see this as a lavish display rather than a celebration, with expected costs ranging from $25 to $45 million. While the parade marks a historic occasion, it remains contentious, as many question the need for such military displays in a civilian space.

Protests like the "No Kings" event illustrate a broader national sentiment. With rising tensions over immigration and governance, communities are rallying, expressing dissent, and demanding change, a reflection of America’s ongoing struggle with its identity and values.

For more information on the protests and ongoing political issues, visit NPR.

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