Waving American flags and calling for an finish to “fascism,” herds of protesters throughout the Bay Space rallied in opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration Saturday afternoon.
The proclaimed “No Kings” protests drew hundreds of supporters, stretching throughout the nation in cities from California to Washington D.C and New York. Organizers say they’re protesting in opposition to what they view as Trump’s civil rights and constitutional violations, together with efforts to deport scores of immigrants, shrink social safety advantages and reduce on the federal authorities by dismissing hundreds of presidency employees and full companies.
The protests come simply two weeks after comparable nationwide anti-Trump rallies additionally attracted hundreds.
Roughly 2,000 folks in downtown San Jose lined the block of St. James Park, chanting “This is what democracy looks like,” and holding colourful indicators that learn “Remove the Dictator,” and “Hands Off our Democracy.”
Saturday’s protest additionally coincided with the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary Conflict, a gesture many protesters, like Sunnyvale resident Karen Hurst, discovered symbolic.
Hurst trekked via the park carrying a yellow craft crown on her head with the phrase “King” written on it — however X’ed out.
“Two-hundred and fifty years ago, we decided we weren’t going to have kings in this country,” the 58-year-old stated, referencing the Revolutionary Conflict “It seems like right now we’re headed in the wrong direction and towards someone who wants to be a king.”
Hurst, who’s a instructor at San Jose Metropolis School, stated she is protesting to assist her college students. Many are immigrants or worldwide college students, Hurst stated, who’re afraid to come back to class.
“It makes me angry, I want to defend them,” she stated.
A few yards away, Santa Clara resident Tom Thomas carried a purple flag that learn “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” a reference to the U.S’s well-known battle cry through the Conflict of 1812. To Thomas, the phrase is supposed to encourage folks to not quit on democracy.
“This (dictatorship) has happened to other countries before, and to think that this can’t happen in the United States is just ridiculous,” the 53-year-old stated. “We have to do stuff like this, we have to do more than this.”
In Santa Cruz, a number of hundred folks gathered on the nook of Ocean and Water streets at a busy intersection close to the county authorities middle to protest Trump and his insurance policies.
The demonstrators, a lot of whom had been seniors, held indicators saying “Hands of Social Security and Medicare,” “Resist,” and “Nobody elected Elon Musk.” A number of folks carried the other way up American flags, to sign their misery whereas dozens of motorists drove by, honking in assist.
Lots of of protesters march in San Francisco in opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration on April 19, 2025 (Harriet Rowan / Bay Space Information Group)
Over in San Francisco, near 1,000 folks gathered at Civic Heart Plaza, many waving do-it-yourself indicators that additionally criticized the present administration.
Holding a big American flag, San Francisco resident Andrew Hudlow stated the anti-Trump motion is for “all Americans.”
“I’m here because I’m concerned about democracy,” the newly-minted lawyer stated. “I know history, I know what happens in other countries. I know what the start of authoritarianism looks like, and that’s what we’re seeing right now. If nobody backs up the courts, then it’s just Trump, and that’s not the country I want to live in.”
Additionally among the many crowds was 72-year-old Hal Christiansen, strolling slowly with a cane in a single hand and an indication that learn, “Hands off my Social Security” in one other. The San Francisco resident depends on social safety for his revenue. Regardless of his well being points, Christiansen stated he wished to got here out and assist the trigger.
“I really, really care about my country,” he stated. “My third great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, and I will lay down my life to fight against a dictator. I’m here today to show my strong feelings. I’ve had several strokes, so I don’t walk well, I have neuropathy in my feet, and crowds frighten me. But I am here to support my people.”
Comparable sentiments had been present in Berkeley. Just a few hundred folks gathered on the North Berkeley BART, holding indicators and inspiring passersby to honk and assist.
Resident Darlene Wang confirmed as much as the protest carrying a Revolutionary Conflict period costume and carrying an indication that learn “Time for Revolution.”
“I think what is happening to the nation is deplorable,” Wang stated. “So it’s time to show up, be loud, make your voices known and make your body seen, and to put up a fuss. This is not normal and it is not right.”
Workers author Paul Rogers contributed to this report.
Initially Printed: April 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM PDT
