Robert De Niro is urging Americans to participate in the upcoming “No Kings” protests against former President Donald Trump. These nationwide events are set to take place on October 18. In a recent Instagram video, De Niro reflected on the historical context of the original “No Kings” protest, which occurred 250 years ago during the American Revolution.
Historical Context of “No Kings” Protests
De Niro highlighted that Americans once fought against King George III to establish their independence. “We’ve had two and a half centuries of democracy since then,” he explained. This struggle included fighting in two World Wars to protect democratic values.
Call to Action from De Niro
De Niro passionately called for a resurgence of collective action, stating, “Now we have a would-be king who wants to take it away — King Donald the First.” He emphasized the importance of peaceful protest, encouraging citizens to join forces in declaring, “No Kings.”
Details About the Protests
- Date: October 18
- Movement: “No Kings,” initiated by the 50501 Movement
- Purpose: To oppose perceived authoritarianism and promote democratic values
The “No Kings” protests began earlier this year on June 14, coinciding with a military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s birthday. Organizers viewed this as an opportunity to mobilize against what they consider Trump’s self-serving actions.
Collective Voices Against Authoritarianism
The 50501 Movement, which aims to represent all 50 states in its protests, criticizes the Trump administration for actions they deem harmful to democracy. According to their statements, the administration has undermined civil rights and enriched billionaire allies at the expense of the general public.
Support from Public Figures
In addition to De Niro, comedian Stephen Colbert has also called for participation in these protests. Colbert criticized the current administration’s power dynamics, referring to the events as rallies against kingship rather than a “Hate America rally,” a term used by Speaker Mike Johnson, who mischaracterized the protests.
What to Expect on October 18
The protests aim to gather thousands of participants across the nation. The coalition behind the “No Kings” initiative has vowed to ensure that American citizens’ voices are heard. De Niro’s words resonate with many, reinforcing the collective sentiment against any form of tyranny.
The “No Kings” protests stand as a pivotal moment for Americans to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and engage in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and justice.
