WASHINGTON, D.C. – Within walking distance from the White House, people participated in the “No Kings” protest. Organizers of the protest said they want to show the Trump administration that America should not have a king-like president. Top Republican lawmakers call this protest a “hate America” rally.
Organizers put on their website President Donald Trump “thinks his rule is absolute, but in America, we don’t have kings.” They add they are fighting against the “chaos, corruption and cruelty.”
Across the nation, there are many “No Kings” protests. Here in Washington, organizers believe tens of thousands of people will attend.
“I think we all need to be out here today because this is our country,” said Bama Athreya, she participated in the protest. “We are all Americans. We need a government that works for all of us.”
The people we spoke with have different reasons why they’re attending the protest.
“Because what the country is going through right now is absurd and the people don’t have a voice at all anymore,” said Riley Ludwig, who participated in the protest. “It’s just wealthy politicians making decisions that work for them and not the greater population of America. So, I’m here because I’m one of hundreds of thousands who are tired the direction this country has taken and just want the power to be restored to the people again.”
“I’m here for our future,” said protester Jilly Openshaw. “I’m here for my nieces and nephews. I’m here to ask for protection for my neighbors, my hardworking neighbors. And just to peacefully protest against what’s currently going on in our administration.”
Republican leadership see these protests differently.
“We refer to it by its more accurate description, the hate America rally,” said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R- LA).
There was a “No Kings” protest back in June on the same day as the military parade in Washington. As for these protesters, they have a message for the administration:
“We’re here and we see what you’re doing every single day,” said Openshaw. “You’re breaking the laws heeding the checks and balances and it can’t continue.”
“They’re not gonna win,” said Ludwig. “In time they will be held accountable for all the crimes they’re committing and all of the wrongdoings, so their time is limited.”
