People across Washington and the United States began gathering to participate in “No Kings” demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, education and more – protests that Republicans have dubbed “Hate America” rallies. It is also the third mass mobilization protest since Donald Trump’s return to power.
The protests also come as most federal programs and services are shut down due to a government shutdown following a standoff between Democrats and Republicans.
In addition to criticism of Trump’s policies, protesters are also frustrated by criticism of their reasons for protesting.
In Bethesda, Maryland, one protester held a sign that read: “There’s nothing more patriotic than protesting. In Washington, Brian Reymann carried a large American flag and said it was despicable to be called a terrorist by Republicans all week, the AP reported.”
“This is America. I don’t agree with their politics, but I don’t believe they don’t love this country. I believe they’re misled. I think they’re hungry for power. The denigration of others that this country has embraced right now — it’s sad, it’s pathetic, it’s scary,” Reymann said.
Organizers expect more than 2,500 “No Kings” rallies in cities large and small. Not only in the US, some protests are also taking place outside the country. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US embassy in London. Some others are protesting in Madrid and Barcelona.
On Saturday morning in Northern Virginia, many protesters walked on overpasses over highways heading into Washington, DC, and several hundred people gathered in a circle near Arlington National Cemetery, near where Trump is considering building an arch over the bridge from the Lincoln Memorial.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, echoed a common refrain across the GOP on Friday against the No Kings protests.
Mike Johnson said at a press conference: “Tomorrow, Democratic leaders will join a big party on the National Mall. They will descend on our Capitol for their much-anticipated, so-called No Kings rally. We’re referring to it by a more accurate description: America’s Hate Rally.”
