People in large numbers came out in the United States as a part of the “No Kings” protests amid the government shutdown. The demonstrators came together in coordinated efforts to reportedly voice their protest opposition against the President Donald Trump-led administration. The protests were organised as a national day of action to reject authoritarianism and defend democratic principles.
The protesters voiced their frustration over various Trump-era policies, and several recurring themes were also seen.
As per ANI, CNN reported on Saturday (local time) that over 2,500 events took place in all 50 states, and it drew large crowds in major urban and community centers.
According to CNN, the people are concerned over the democratic norms’ erosion, the aggressive immigration enforcement, and ICE raids were also a point of concern. In addition, the deployment of federal troops in US cities and cuts to essential government programs were among the topics that the protesters reportedly raised.
US Government Shutdown
The “No Kings” protests come amid heightened political tension as a federal government shutdown is in place. There is a partisan deadlock in Washington over a funding bill. Democratic leaders have largely voiced support for the protests, while many Republican lawmakers have criticised them as anti-American.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris posted a video on the social media platform X and wrote in the caption, “In our country, the power is with the people. Tomorrow, October 18, I encourage you to join your neighbors in peaceful protest at a No Kings event.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, in a statement posted on X, encouraged demonstrators to remain calm and peaceful.
“As Californians take to the streets today to stand up against the President’s authoritarian playbook, I urge everyone to stay safe and demonstrate peacefully. Don’t give in to his provocations. Our strength is in our unity and peace,” Newsom wrote.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also voiced strong support for the protests, saying he marched alongside labour unions and fellow New Yorkers.
“Today as millions of Americans rally across this country for No Kings Day: I proudly marched side-by-side with labor unions and so many more of our fellow citizens in NYC. We have no dictators in America. And we won’t allow Trump to keep eroding our democracy,” Schumer said in a post on X.
What Happened Across US During ‘No Kings’ Protests?
1- The authorities in New York City reported that the protests remained peaceful throughout the day, despite the massive turnout of 100,000 across all five boroughs. Furthermore, no protest-related arrests were made.
2- Los Angeles saw a significant turnout as the protests were particularly focused on immigrant rights. Several demonstrators carried Mexican flags or hybrids of US and Mexican flags, signalling solidarity with immigrant communities.
This comes just months after the city witnessed immigration protests in June, which came after federal raids and President Trump’s controversial decision to deploy the National Guard without the governor’s approval.
3- In Atlanta, protestors began the day at the city’s Civic Centre before marching to the Georgia State Capitol, where they rallied under the “No Kings” banner, as reported by CNN.
(with ANI inputs)