Kamala Harris has called on Americans to “get out there” and participate in No Kings events happening across the country this weekend. In a video posted on social media, the former vice president voiced her support for the rallies, which are organized in opposition to what some describe as growing authoritarian tendencies under President Donald Trump.
The protests, set to occur in thousands of locations across the U.S., come amid escalating tensions between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide. “This is the second No Kings demonstration and the third mass movement against the administration this year,” Harris said.
Earlier this week, President Trump responded to the upcoming protests during an appearance on Fox Business’ Morning with Maria, stating, “I am not a king.” In her video, Harris encouraged people to join the demonstrations, which are focused on defending First Amendment rights and resisting what many view as an overreach of presidential power.
“Hey, everybody. So in our country, the power is with the people, and tomorrow I encourage everyone to get out there in peaceful protest of what is happening in our country and express our voice around the country we believe in. So get out there and join the No Kings event near you, and please take care. I’ll see you later,” Harris said.
The protests have sparked a division of opinions. While some conservative politicians have labeled the events “Hate America” rallies, others see them as a patriotic defense of constitutional rights. Ezra Levin, a key organizer of the No Kings rallies, characterized the protests as a response to Trump’s actions, particularly his crackdown on First Amendment rights.
Levin, co-executive director of the nonprofit Indivisible, pointed to Trump’s immigration policies, attempts to influence midterm elections, limitations on press freedom, and retaliation against political opponents as signs of growing authoritarianism.
Over 2,500 locations across the nation are set to host protests, from New York to small rural communities like East Glacier Ridge, Montana, which has around 300 residents. Levin emphasized that if the protests inspire people to become more politically active, the event will be deemed a success.
The previous No Kings demonstration on June 14 opposed a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking Trump’s 250th Army anniversary celebration, which organizers viewed as a symbol of Trump’s authoritarianism. Though clashes remained limited and the protests mostly peaceful, some cities like Los Angeles and Portland saw police using tear gas and crowd control tactics to disperse demonstrators.
As for the protests in Utah, Jamie Carter, one of the rally organizers, explained that despite the tragedy of a demonstrator’s death at a previous rally in Salt Lake City, activists felt compelled to continue the fight. “We also felt that we really had to get back out there,” Carter said.