In recent months, there have been layoffs of government workers and employees from major corporations, changes in employment policies for protected groups of people, the longest federal shutdown in American history, and the possible denial of SNAP benefits, leading millions of Americans to fear for food insecurity. Now, American citizens are lacking resources and are looking for ways to become politically active to voice their frustrations. Organizations “Refuse Fascism,” “Trump Must Go Now” and “Vets Say No” all have demonstrations planned in the next upcoming weeks.
One of the largest scale protests happening just a few weeks ago, where over 7 million Americans took to the streets to join the “No Kings” protest nationwide. No Kings is a movement about unity and fighting against an unbalanced government. It’s an event calling for the protection of democracy, fair governance, and the rights of everyday Americans amid growing political division. These Americans gathered in DC, wearing colorful clothes and costumes, blowing bubbles and sing pop songs in a new version of protest showing celebration of freedom and defiance.
“Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. “No Kings” is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built. Born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together,” according to a statement on the website.
Among those who attended was a recently laid-off CDC worker who said she came to show solidarity and courage in uncertain times. She held a sign that says, ” Jesus called, he wants his name back” and stood quietly in the back of the boisterous crowd.
“[I Came] just to support and stand up and show that I’m not afraid,” the former federal worker said about the program she worked in for years. “It’s sad. I think everybody in the program, the whole program, was ripped…”
Another speaker, who identified themselves as an immigrant from Russia, drew parallels between their upbringing and what they described as an erosion of civil liberties in the United States. She arrived with her dog, holding a black sign ready to join the protest in DC.
“Trump is eroding our freedoms, starting with the foundation of due process by which we determine whether an individual is guilty of any crime,” the speaker said. “Growing up in Soviet Russia, I know what that looks like, inhumane conditions, disregard for basic dignity. I’m pro-life. I’m pro all human life, and that means every person deserves dignity and appropriate treatment regardless of their status.”
The same speaker expressed concern about issues such as housing, labor standards, and disability rights.
“Trump is trying to create a dictatorship, and we believe that nobody needs that,” she added.
Despite criticism, demonstrators showcased this protest as a peaceful act of civic participation, a reminder that many protestors believed that democracy depends on ordinary people speaking up.
Changes in life is striking accord with citizens, inspiring them to push for themselves to be heard.