Thousands gathered across the nation, including in many counties across Kentucky, to participate in the No Kings Protest, which has sparked a range of public reactions.
According to the Lexington Herald Leader, the No Kings Protest in Lexington was just one of more than 3,300 planned around the country, with the protest in downtown Lexington being the largest No Kings Protest the city has seen.
While protestors participated for various reasons, as LEX18 highlights, many of the protesters voiced concerns about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), policies, federal budget cuts and other issues that affect local communities.
“We wanted to bring it to light for people, and show [President Donald Trump], or anyone in political status, that we don’t like what’s going on and we want there to be a change,” said Asbury student Makayla Barker who attended the protest.
The No Kings Protests are a series of both nationwide and international demonstrations that aim at opposing what organizers describe as the perceived “authoritarian or other controversial actions of President Donald Trump.” The movement has many different organizers including grassroots organizations Indivisible, 50501 Movement and MoveOn.
Despite the recent nationwide attendance of 8 to 9 million people at these protests, the movement prioritizes the peaceful component of protesting. According to the No Kings website, a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and they expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation.
“It was very joyful, like everyone there was happy,” said Asbury student Kaja Jaques who also attended the protest. “Obviously, there’s shouting and anger, but it’s not like I felt unsafe.”
Although the protest gave participants the opportunity to express their opinions, it also allowed various local organizations to spread awareness for their specific causes. Kentucky Moms Demand Action, a local organization fixated on ending gun violence, was in attendance.
“It was also a really great chance for people to get a lot of information out there,” said Jaques. “There were a lot of booths, one of the ones was like Moms Demand Action, so not anti-gun but raising awareness for gun safety.”
In addition, many speakers, from religious leaders to history teachers, took the opportunity to speak to participants.
“There was a Jewish rabbi, an Islamic leader and a Lutheran pastor, and they were all saying, ‘We don’t agree with what’s going on and it doesn’t align with our religion,’” said Barker. “And, they brought some history teachers up, which I wasn’t there for them speaking, but they were educating the masses saying, ‘This is what happens in history when you forget it’ and we’re seeing it unfold in real time.”
Despite the criticisms protestors had for Trump during the protests, Trump denied their claims in an interview with Viory, a digital video news agency.
“I have a lot of powers to do things, and we use the powers where appropriate,” said Trump. “Sometimes you don’t have to use those powers; you know, they’re a little severe, and then people accuse me of being a king.”
Other differing opinions including that of Asbury student Jordan Scheffler who recognizes the frustrations shared by protestors but ultimately disagrees with the effectiveness of the protests.
“I was a die-hard Trump fan heading into the 2024 election and even I’ve been displeased with several of his decisions in his second term; therefore, I understand and respect citizen’s right to raise concerns about their government,” said Scheffler. “However, claiming Trump is an authoritarian dictator or king—even though he won the popular vote—is approaching the debate under false pretense.”
