No Kings Protests Against Donald Trump Begin in the US and Abroad
The first of over 2,600 "No Kings" protests against Donald Trump started on Saturday in the United States and other countries, as part of a mass mobilization to protest the American president's policies on immigration, education, and security. Organizers believe that these policies are pushing the country towards autocracy.
Mass Mobilization Across the US and Abroad
This mobilization, which took place in both large and small cities across the United States and other countries, follows the mass protests in June and reflects the frustration of critics of the White House occupant, who has issued a series of controversial decrees since taking office in January.
The first gatherings took place outside the United States, with hundreds of protesters gathering in front of the US Embassy in London and hundreds more demonstrating in Madrid and Barcelona.
On Saturday morning, in North Virginia, many protesters marched on the overpasses crossing the roads leading to Washington D.C., and several hundred people gathered near Arlington Cemetery, near the site where Donald Trump plans to build a monument equivalent to the Arc de Triomphe, facing the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump's Policies Spark Protests
Since Donald Trump's arrival at the White House, his administration has tightened immigration laws, eliminated government jobs, and reduced funding for the most prestigious universities, in response to pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, diversity programs on campuses, and measures concerning so-called "transgender" individuals.
The American president has also deployed the National Guard in major cities like Chicago, claiming it is necessary to protect immigration agents and help combat crime.
Exercising the Right to Protest
"There is nothing more American than saying 'we have no kings' and exercising our right to peaceful protest," said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, a progressive organization and main organizer of the "No Kings" movement.
Donald Trump barely commented on the mobilization on Saturday. However, in an interview with Fox Business broadcast on Friday, he said: "They refer to me as a king, I am not a king."
Organization and Support
Over 300 local groups participated in organizing Saturday's protests, according to Leah Greenberg. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it had provided legal training to tens of thousands of people who will serve as "marshals" during the various protests. These individuals were also trained in "de-escalation" techniques. Messages about the "No Kings" movement were shared on social media to boost participation in the protests.
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who usually votes with Democrats, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, support the protest movement, as does former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Many celebrities have also expressed their support for the movement.
Over 2,000 "No Kings" protests were held in June, in a generally peaceful atmosphere, including on the day Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday with a military parade in Washington.
