No Kings

“No Kings.” The message on thousands of Protester’s Signs

USA Protesters June 14, 2025.

I have written in previous blogs about the dangers of Donald Trump and his desire to rule beyond his second term as President of the United States. His strategy of “Divide and Conquer”, through issuing directives limiting freedoms, through outright lies and misinformation, and particularly through economic destruction by applying extreme tariffs. Using the military and national guard against states that don’t bend the knee to his will is the bluntest of instruments in his quest to conquer. Hello California!

The Right to Protest

The "No Kings," protests was held on Saturday June 14, 2025. Demonstrations were widespread in defiance of directives and threats aimed at preventing protests across the United States. Despite Trump and his official warnings, intimidating language bluntly stated as ‘kill and hurt’ by one sheriff, the threat of violence was directly aimed at citizens who chose to demonstrate their constitutional right to protest in large numbers, particularly in Washington D.C., Florida, and Minnesota.

Defiance in Washington D.C.

Despite organizers of the "No Kings" protest initially stating they would not hold demonstrations in Washington D.C., and President Donald Trump attempting to intimidate potential protesters with threats of "big and very heavy force," a significant number of people still gathered to protest. This defiance underscored a widespread belief among Americans that their right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution and supersedes any official or political threats. The protests in Washington D.C. occurred largely without incident.

Reign on My Parade

Trump’s highly anticipated military parade and birthday party, which reportedly cost $45 million, saw thin crowds and embarrassingly, an unenthusiastic presidential presence. The contrast between the huge protest turnout and Trumps rained upon (not literally) lacklustre, parade highlighted the public's unwillingness to be deterred from expressing their dissent.

This is Dangerous

Official intimidation tactics was seen in Brevard County, Florida, where a sheriff publicly threatened protesters, stating he would "sick dogs on people," put them in the hospital, and even "kill" them. This aggressive speech, aimed at discouraging anti-Trump protests, proved entirely ineffective. Local headlines and photographs showed thousands of people gathering in Brevard County, undeterred by the sheriff's threats. 

Courage Despite Threats

Protesters openly displayed signs, including one depicting Donald Trump as Marie Antoinette, reaffirming their constitutional right to free speech and assembly. This incident demonstrated the resilience and courage of the American public in the face of perceived attempts to suppress their democratic rights.

Protesting in the Face of Extreme Circumstances in Minnesota

The most poignant example of public resolve occurred in Minnesota. Following the tragic political assassinations of a former Democratic House Speaker and her husband, and the attempted assassination of another Democratic state legislator and his wife, authorities strongly advised against any protests, especially with the assassin still at large. 

Despite these grave circumstances and warnings, people in St. Paul, Minnesota, turned out in "huge numbers" to protest. Many carried signs honoring the victims, underscoring that their presence was not a disregard for safety, but a powerful statement of solidarity and a commitment to democratic principles, even in the face of fear.

Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison, recognized the unyielding spirit of the protesters, joined them and spoke about the importance of upholding democratic values and resisting "dictator-like” behavior. His speech reinforced the narrative that the protests were a crucial stand against perceived authoritarian tendencies and a defense of fundamental American liberties.

Summary

America under Trump and his administration are often seen as a mess. An administration that is seen not as an ally but as a threat, to everybody, everywhere. A weak United States under this government endangers us all in every way possible. It is therefore encouraging that millions of American citizens recognize the danger and are prepared to let their thoughts be known publicly and widely. No Kings!!

Source; Rachel Maddow, MSNBC