Thousands Gather in St. Paul for “No Kings” Protest Against Trump Administration
At the corner of Randolph and Fairview avenues in St. Paul on Saturday afternoon, throngs of people lined the streets, spilling into the intersection holding American flags and signs, as part of the “No Kings” protests across the nation. The protesters, who numbered in the thousands, were demonstrating against the Trump administration and its policies.
A steady cacophony of honking horns from motorists passing through the intersection was accompanied by cheers from people who gathered to protest. People beat on drums and toddlers banged on kitchen pans with utensils, creating a lively atmosphere. The mood was joyful and hopeful, with most people smiling and cheering.
Protesters’ Reasons for Attending
Some people, like Sarah Wilmer and Sarah Kathol, brought their children to the rally, saying it was important for them to show their kids that they can make a difference. Wilmer’s 11-year-old son held a sign that read, “Kids Against Kings.” Kathol said that attending the rally helped her feel less alone and created solidarity with like-minded people. Others, like a 75-year-old retired teacher who went by the name “Lee,” were protesting to protect Social Security benefits, Medicare benefits, ObamaCare, and education funding.
Lee, who was protesting for the first time since the Vietnam War, said, “We’ve just got to stop them. We can’t have this anymore. We’ve got to put (Trump) out of office and all the people that are with him.” John Osborn of St. Paul said that the lack of leadership on both sides has led to the current situation, and that it’s time to stand up against it. He noted that the first “No Kings” rally was emotional, but Saturday’s rally had a more optimistic and unified feeling.
Nationwide Protests
The “No Kings” protests were held in all 50 states, with over 2,600 events planned. Demonstrators packed major public spaces like New York City’s Times Square, Boston Common, and Chicago’s Grant Park. The Republican Party has referred to these rallies as “Hate America” rallies. However, the protesters claim that they are exercising their right to free speech and assembly, and that they are fighting for the rights and services that their taxes are paying for.
Organizers expected millions to attend the rallies, with the first “No Kings” rallies in June drawing around 25,000 people at the state Capitol in St. Paul, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The protests are a testament to the growing discontent with the Trump administration and its policies. As Joanne Terry of St. Paul said, “We the people do have the power. And when we believe it, we can make a difference. We do have to speak out and do something to stop this.”
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