On October 18th, nearly seven million Americans participated in the “No Kings” Protests that took place at over 2,700 locations. Taking place across all 50 states, protesters peacefully demonstrated against Donald Trump’s executive action, claiming he has expanded the scope of presidential power during his second term in office. The protests were organized by a variety of groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the 50501 Movement, and the No Kings Alliance, a peaceful resistance movement focused on checking the constitutionality of the current administration. Protestors chanted: “No thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” The slogan is meant to emphasize the importance of American democracy and how the President is not above the law. The protests follow a multitude of Trump’s recent acts, one being suggesting a third term. According to The Guardian, one participant in the rally stated, “These are people who came here, some of them refugees, believing in the American Dream… I’m not happy with the erosion of our First Amendment rights.”
However, this is not the first nationwide “No Kings” Protest. On June 14th, similar protests took place in over 2,000 locations across the country. These protests were intentionally timed to interfere with the United States Army’s 250th Anniversary parade in Washington, D.C, as well as President Trump’s birthday. Tragically, on June 14th, a 39-year-old man, Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was shot in the crossfire between a “peacekeeping” team and a man in the crowd they perceived as a threat at a Utah “No Kings” protest.
But the No Kings Alliance is far from finished. This weekend, the No Kings Alliance, along with millions of other Americans, is joining together to help provide aid for communities. According to the No Kings website, “Right now Republicans are refusing to protect critical healthcare and nutrition programs, which will result in 42 million Americans losing the benefits that keep their families fed.” Healthcare is one of the many initiatives against Trump’s policies this group has started.
This nationwide resistance movement reveals a greater sentiment among many Americans about the actions of the Trump administration. The demonstrators are making sure their negative feelings about Trump’s extensive executive orders, nationwide ICE raids, and cutting funding to healthcare, education, and environmental programs are heard.