Rise of the Anti-Authoritarian Movement
The Largest Coordinated Protest in Recent American History: Can Trump’s Military Parade Counter the National “No Kings” Movement?
This Saturday,
The “No Kings” protests, organized by an extensive list of progressive organizations, including the ACLU, Indivisible, and the Service Employees International Union, aim to highlight Americans’ resistance to the Trump administration’s policies. With over 2,000 protests planned for major cities and small towns across the country, these demonstrations are expected to outdo the president’s parade in scale.
The nationwide counterprotest comes at a time of heightened political tensions across the country. In the last week alone, Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles over state and local officials’ objections amid protests over his extensive deportation agenda; Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was manhandled and briefly handcuffed at a press conference for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem; and two Minnesota state lawmakers were shot, and one killed, in what Governor Tim Walz described as a politically motivated assassination.
“The Trump administration’s goal was to scare people, to make them afraid to stand up for their rights and afraid to protest,” said Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer of the ACLU. “And it’s backfired spectacularly.” Over 100 protests were planned by volunteers in the past week alone, popping up in response to the Trump administration’s crackdown on anti-immigration detention protesters in California.
But Saturday’s early morning shooting in Minnesota is already weighing on the events. A prominent Democratic Senate candidate with plans to participate in the demonstrations has taken extra precautions after the attack in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz recommended that people not attend events in the state, but organizers elsewhere said the events will go on.
As demonstrations spring up across Southern California, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged Angelinos to remain peaceful. “Please do not give the administration an excuse to intervene,” she said. “Let’s make sure we show the world the best of Los Angeles.” Tens of thousands of demonstrators attended the protest in downtown Los Angeles and the city’s 8 p.m. downtown curfew will remain in place for the night.
Meanwhile, Trump is unfazed by the protests. He wrote on Truth Social Saturday morning that “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK.” This statement may raise questions about Trump’s true intentions: Can he truly claim to be a president for the people when his actions are seen as a symbol of authoritarianism?
The cost of the festivities is estimated at between $25 and $45 million, an expense that 60 percent of Americans say is not a good use of funds. As the nation waits with bated breath to see how these events unfold, one thing is clear: The No Kings protests are here to stay, and they will continue to stand up for democracy and people’s rights in this country.
A Call to Action: Will America Stand Up Against Authoritarianism?
Can the No Kings protests, with millions of Americans taking to the streets, be a turning point in American history? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – this is not just about President Trump or his policies; it’s about the future of democracy and freedom in America.