D.C. leads thousands of ‘No Kings’ protests nationwide

Spread the love

Thousands of people marched in Washington, D.C., on Saturday as part of the second “No Kings” Day, protesting President Donald Trump.

Organizers of the event anticipated thousands of events to be held across the country, with demonstrators protesting what they perceive as authoritarian policies by the Trump administration.

The organizers encouraged participants to wear yellow to represent unity; however, some marchers went as far as wearing inflatable costumes that have become emblematic outside ICE facilities, particularly in Portland, where there has been a crackdown on Antifa violence.

The protesters in D.C. remained peaceful as they gathered in the National Mall and marched up Constitution Avenue toward the White House.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., addressed the rally-goers, criticizing the billionaire class, singling out Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg – all three were present at Trump’s inauguration in January.

“The very same billionaires who funded [Trump’s] campaign, who bestowed gifts upon him, and who have seen huge increases in their wealth and power since Trump took office,” Sanders told the crowd.

The president and his administration appear to be brushing off the protests. Trump departed the White House on Friday afternoon for his home in Florida, while Vice President JD Vance is participating in a celebratory event marking the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, on Saturday.

The first ‘No Kings’ Day protests were held on June 14, which coincided with the Army’s 250th birthday and the president’s 79th birthday. A military parade was held in D.C.

The president has rebuffed the claims from his critics, saying that he is not a king.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has been more critical of the events, describing them as a “hate America rally,” warning that it would draw groups like Antifa.

In preparation, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin activated the National Guard to stand by in response in case the protests take a violent turn.

“With planned protests across the country this weekend, including in Virginia, I wasn’t to be clear that Virginians have a fundamental right to free speech and peaceful assembly, but that right does not include the destruction of property, looting, vandalism, disruption of traffic, or violence of any kind—for which there will be zero tolerance,” the governor wrote on social media. “We are coordinating closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement and I have authorized members of the National Guard to be placed in ‘state active duty’ status to ensure the Guard will be ready to respond alongside our substantially increased police presence to help keep Virginians safe.”

The district has had an increased law enforcement presence, in addition to the National Guard, since Trump declared a crime emergency in D.C. in August.

Parts of D.C. are already seeing increased security measures around the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund as Saturday marks the last day of their annual meetings.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Meeting Briefs

Casey-Westfield Meeting Summary: Board Saves on Insurance, Approves Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education made several significant financial decisions at its June 23, 2025, meeting, including approving a new insurance package that will save over $52,000 and...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts Amended Budget, Locks in Fuel Prices

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education formally adopted its amended budget for the 2025 fiscal year following a brief public hearing where no comments were offered. The hearing was...
Residents Enjoy Matt Poss.7

Matt Poss Band Delights Crowd in Casey’s Central Park

The heart of Casey was alive with the sound of southern rock and country music last night, as residents gathered in Central Park for a live performance by the Matt...
Mary-Boyd-Hippler-1753436721

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler, age 72, of Casey, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025—dancing with friends in Arthur, IL. Betty was born on February 13, 1953,...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings

The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review

Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities

The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025

Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...
Patrick-Simpson-1752666343

Patrick Randel Simpson

Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...
Roy-Hock-1752681748

Roy Lee Hock

Roy Lee Hock, age 68, of Casey, IL, passed away at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Twin Lakes Extended Care Facility in Paris, IL. He was born...
The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm. Pictured (l to r) in front of the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle are Chris Snedeker, Jay Marwell, Teresa Winnett, Jeff Winnett, Marcy Mumford, Megan Peavler, Sharon Durham, Kurt Squires, Tom Daughhetee, and Brian Hancock.

Casey Rotary Club Meeting Held

The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.38 AM

Council Increases Popcorn Festival Funding to $25,000 After Heated Budget Debate

Casey City Council approved a $25,000 donation to the annual Popcorn Festival Monday night after a lengthy and sometimes tense discussion about the city's financial priorities and the festival's growing...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.13 AM

Casey Moves Forward with Hotel Feasibility Study and TIF District Analysis

Casey City Council approved two economic development initiatives Monday night aimed at increasing tourism revenue and expanding development opportunities in the community. Council members unanimously approved a hotel feasibility study...