Protesters Exhibit Homemade Artwork at LA's 'No Kings' Demonstration
Protests Nationwide Cry Out: "No Kings!"
In a stunning display of unity and opposition, millions took to the streets across America on Saturday, united under the banner No Kings. This groundswell of resistance was orchestrated by the 50501 movement, symbolizing "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement."
Thousands of communities nationwide played host to these demonstrations, aiming to portray President Donald Trump as a royal dictator who disregards the U.S. Constitution and democratic norms. The protests also called for an end to deportation raids and what organizers deemed excessive budget cuts to essential services.
Los Angeles was a hotbed of activity, with protests erupting in numerous locations such as Beverly Hills, Studio City, Pasadena, South Bay, Woodland Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Feliz. The city's creative soul was on full display, with protestors showcasing their artistic prowess through handcrafted signs and costumes.
The indigenous community was a frequent presence, with a woman weaving through the crowd, offering sage to fellow protestors. Tens of thousands gathered in Southern California alone.
The energetic crowd chanted and later marched down Hill Street from Grand Park to Pershing Square. The signs and performances were the real attraction, ranging from clever wordplay to depictions of President Trump as a dictator, to vocal expressions calling for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that had recently stirred controversy in the city.
Los Angeles had been the epicenter of protests following federal workplace immigration raids that targeted both immigrants with criminal records and those without. Trump responded by deploying the California National Guard and the US Marines, a move harshly criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom as a violation of the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The "No Kings" movement deemed Saturday's protests a "nationwide day of defiance." References to the military parade set to take place simultaneously in Washington D.C. could be found on the movement's website. "President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," a statement read on the "No Kings" website. "A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else."
U.S. flags were commonplace, the protests coinciding with Flag Day (June 14), a holiday celebrating the adoption of the U.S. flag. A sprinkling of Mexican, El Salvadoran, and Guatemalan flags could also be found among the crowd. Occasionally, the U.S. flag was displayed upside down—a symbol associated with political protest but traditionally used internationally as a signal of distress and danger.
"No Crown for the Clown" was a popular theme among protest signs, along with "No Kings in America, since 1776." These designs were also available on the 50501 website, under a posters and graphics link.
Protesters donned Colonial-era clothing with "Anti-Trump" signs emblazoned on their backs. The wealthiest class, particularly billionaires, were clear targets, as evidenced by a sign proclaiming, "They blame immigrants so you won't blame billionaires."
"Eat the rich" was another oft-repeated sentiment, appearing on T-shirts and signs.
A massive replica of the U.S. Constitution was erected in Grand Park, followed by a lengthy canvas for signatures and comments. The sign was later hoisted and carried along Hill Street to Pershing Square.
The LGBTQ+ community made a significant impact with rainbow flags, capes, and signs. Playful takes on royalty included a sign reading, "No Kings Only Queens," depicting the iconic drag queen Divine, scowling over her shoulder at a young Donald Trump and his first wife, Ivana Trump. This image, a digital creation from years past, inspired many. Another sign proclaimed, "No Kings, Yas Queens."
At least one Bible passage was spotted on a sign: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me," Matthew 25:35, which seemingly extolled the welcoming of immigrants, contrasting with anti-immigrant sentiments.
- The "No Kings" movement, originating from the 50501 movement symbolizing "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement," targeted President Donald Trump in the anti-Trump protests that occurred nationwide, including those in California.
- The immigration issue, including the recent ice raids, has been at the forefront of the anti-Trump protests in California, notably in Los Angeles, with signs and performances calling for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
