Background and Context
On Saturday, massive crowds took to the streets across the United States in protests against President Donald Trump, under the slogan “No Kings” (or “No to Kings”). The movement, which unites around 300 organizations, asserts that Trump believes his power is absolute. However, the U.S., being a country without kings, will not yield to chaos, corruption, and cruelty.
According to organizers, approximately 7 million people participated in over 2,700 demonstrations. Protesters gathered in major cities like Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta, as well as smaller towns and even near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he spends weekends.
Personal Stories and Motivations
In New York, thousands marched down Broadway from Times Square with a passionate yet jovial spirit. Among them was Nadja Rutkowski, who emigrated from Germany to the U.S. at age 14. She joined the protest out of fear that history might repeat itself, as she witnessed similar events in Germany during 1938.
“People are being seized on the streets,” Rutkowski told AFP. “We know it, we see it happening in real-time. So we have to stand up.”
Key Actions and Ideas
- Scale of Protests: The protests on June 14 were the largest since Trump returned to the White House in January.
- Trump’s Response: Trump has responded moderately so far, but his communications team released an AI-generated video showing him dressed as a king, saluting from a balcony.
- Republican Support: Trump’s main allies in the Republican Party have been more combative, with House Speaker Mike Johnson labeling the protest day as a demonstration of “Hate for America.”
- Protesters’ Message: The protesters aim to convey that the U.S. is a country of equals, governed by laws applicable to all, due process, and democracy.
- Criticism of Trump’s Actions: Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the Indivisible Project, criticized Trump’s administration for deploying the National Guard to cities, targeting undocumented immigrants, and prosecuting political opponents.
- Personal Reflections: Protesters like Paulo and Isaac Harder drew parallels between current events and their experiences under military dictatorship in Brazil. Isaac, a 16-year-old, expressed concern for his generation’s future under what he perceives as a fascist trajectory.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: What is the main message of the “No Kings” movement?
- Answer: The “No Kings” movement aims to convey that the U.S. is a country of equals, governed by laws applicable to all, due process, and democracy, and that they will not be silenced.
- Question: How has Trump responded to the protests?
- Answer: Trump’s response has been moderate so far, though his communications team released an AI-generated video showing him as a king. His main allies in the Republican Party have been more combative, labeling the protests as “Hate for America.”
- Question: What motivated protesters to participate?
- Answer: Protesters like Nadja Rutkowski joined the demonstrations out of fear that history might repeat itself, as they witnessed similar events in Germany during 1938.
