These demonstrations were organized ‘against dictatorship and in support of protecting democracy’. The protesters expressed their anger over the Trump administration’s actions like weakening democratic institutions, tightening immigration policies, ICE raids, and deployment of federal troops.
Slogans of No Kings echoed on the streets
In Atlanta, protesters started the march from the city’s Civic Center and reached the Georgia State Capitol and raised slogans of ‘No Kings’. The largest crowd was seen in Los Angeles, where people took to the streets carrying American and Mexican flags in support of the migrant communities. This is the same city where there were protests earlier in June regarding the deployment of the National Guard on the orders of the Trump government.
These demonstrations have taken place at a time when the government shutdown and political deadlock over the budget continues in Washington. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders have supported the demonstrations, while Republican leaders termed them ‘anti-national’.
Opposition leaders support the protests
California Governor Gavin Newsom appealed to people to maintain peace on social media and wrote, ‘Today when the people of California are on the streets against the dictatorial tendencies of the President, I appeal to everyone to remain peaceful. Our strength lies in unity and peace.
While thanking the protesters across the country, Bernie Sanders wrote, ‘Thank you to the millions of Americans who, from small towns to big cities, said in one voice – a king will not rule in America, only the people will rule here.’
New York City Police informed that the demonstration remained peaceful throughout the day. Nearly 1 lakh people took to the streets in the five boroughs, but no one was arrested. According to the police, ‘All the protests have now ended and the traffic has become normal. This was an example of a peaceful democratic expression.
‘No King’s Protest’ has now become not just a protest against Trump, but a symbol of the new debate of democracy versus dictatorship in America.