Eagle County activists to hold ‘No Kings’ rally in Edwards as part of nationwide protests
Day of action is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers say
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily archive
Activists in Eagle County opposed to President Donald Trump’s policies will join Saturday’s national “No Kings” protests with a rally and march at Freedom Park in Edwards. Vail Eagle Indivisible, a local group tied into the national Indivisible movement, is organizing the rally with support from the Eagle County Democrats.
Saturday’s local rally, which is set to start at 9 a.m., will be one of hundreds taking place in cities across the country during the military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with Trump’s birthday.
The “No Kings” protests aim to counter what organizers say are Trump’s plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. “No Kings” will follow several days of nationwide protests against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, where Trump’s deployment of the National Guard further agitated his opponents.
“We show up not just to protest a parade, but to stand up for what’s right — our democracy, our freedoms, and our neighbors,” said Lisa Lewis, the chair of Eagle County Democrats, in a press release.
Vail Eagle Indivisible, in its press release, states that a core principle behind all “No Kings” events is a commitment to nonviolent action.
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“We expect all participants to approach this demonstration in the spirit of peaceful resistance and to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontations with those who may disagree with our values,” its release stated. “We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political positions, disappeared people off the streets, deported American citizens, slashed our services and defied the courts.”
Why is it called ‘No Kings?’
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a statement by organizers.
Organizers intend for the protests to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the “No Kings” website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
The Associated Press contributed reporting
