Nationwide Demonstrations Underway: Protests Against Kings Occur Nationwide
A Riot of Protest: Nationwide Outcry Against President Trump's Policies
Hordes of citizens across the country stormed the streets today, voicing discontent towards President Trump and his policies in what's known as the 'No Kings' marches and rallies. These demonstrations didn't shy away from the President's planned military parade in Washington, D.C. tonight. Joining us from the heart of the chaos in New York City is NPR's Sergio Martinez-Beltran. Hey, Sergio!
SERGIO MARTINEZ-BELTRAAN: Hey!
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:What's shaking in New York City today?
MARTINEZ-BELTRAAN: It's been quite the spectacle, Scott - tens of thousands flooding the streets of Manhattan, creative signs, music, and families uniting, despite the miserable weather. I mean, it's been pouring down rain and chilly as hell, but people still came out in droves today, including Makayla (ph). She's a lawyer here in NYC, working for a state agency, which is why she prefers we keep her last name confidential. She's afraid of losing her job.
MAKAYLA: As someone who genuinely cares about this country, someone who was born here, someone who is a public servant for this country, an attorney, I just can't stay idle while watching my country slip into fascism.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:We've discussed that this protest coincides with the military parade, but it seems people are protesting about more than just that. What are you hearing from people you talk to about the reasons for marching today?
MARTINEZ-BELTRAAN: That's right. It really is a diverse crowd here, older folks, families, young people, even unions joined in, and their demands mirror this diversity. They're upset about the President's behavior, which they think resembles that of a king or a dictator. Some are protesting the parade today, but others are further motivated by Trump's immigration actions and raids taking place across the nation. For many protesters, it's all very personal. We spoke to Nate Schenkkan, who's here with his son. He lost his job at a nonprofit due to Trump's budget cuts, and he got emotional talking to us.
NATE SCHENKKAN: I've never been more scared in my life. It feels like we're seeing a President who's not being stopped by the courts, who isn't being stopped by Congress. The only thing that'll stop him is public opinion and people standing up.
MARTINEZ-BELTRAAN: Schenkkan lost his job because of President Trump, and now he's in the streets protesting.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:You're in New York. Protests are happening all over the nation. What are other cities reporting?
MARTINEZ-BELTRAAN: Our colleagues in Los Angeles are reporting that the march there is just as massive as here in NYC. But these protests aren't limited to big cities; they're happening in smaller places too, like St. Louis, Missouri, where thousands joined the event, and in Grand Junction, Colorado, where hundreds gathered. Hundreds are expected to do the same in Austin, Texas. And, you know, people we spoke to here in NYC are hopeful to see this kind of resistance not just in Democratic states but also in red states and cities. This is the 'No Kings' protests, but President Trump insists he is not a king and says he has to go through hell to get anything approved.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:Thanks for joining us, Sergio.
MARTINEZ-BELTRAAN: (Laughter) You're welcome.
People are standing up across the nation, uniting against perceived authoritarianism and the escalating divide in the country, expressing concerns about the President's immigration policies and questions about the legitimacy of military parades. Equipped with passionate signs and united purpose, they're rallying for a future they believe in - one guided by democracy, justice, and decency.
The nationwide outcry against President Trump's policies is not limited to one city; people are standing up against perceived authoritarianism and escalating division across different states, including New York City, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Missouri, and Grand Junction, Colorado. These protesters are rallying for a future they believe in, one that is guided by democracy, justice, and decency, and raises questions about the legitimacy of military parades and the President's immigration policies. This movement echoes concerns about the President's behavior reflecting that of a king or a dictator, and people are motivated to voice their opinions to avoid the continuing slide towards fascism in America.
