Nationwide protests will be held on Saturday amid ongoing frustrations about what some people believe to be President Donald Trump’s increase in authoritarian practices, including sending military troops into major cities.
The “No Kings” protests first began earlier this year in response to a military parade held in Washington, D.C., by the Trump administration.
Thousands of protests are planned nationwide, with protests planned in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Shreveport, Alexandria, and other cities.
Below is everything you need to know about the protests.
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 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 those of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
A statement regarding the protests this weekend on the No Kings website reads in part:
“The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.
“Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and bigger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon. 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.
“Because this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants. It belongs to We the People – the people who care, who show up, and the ones who fight for dignity, a life we can afford, and real opportunity. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.”
Why are they protesting Saturday?
The “No Kings” protests were scheduled Saturday in response to President Trump mobilizing troops in major cities across America, as well as the ongoing government shutdown.
Gov. Jeff Landry expects troops in Louisiana by November and has expressed he’d like deployments in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport.
The No Kings website states that after the success of the June protests, residents are encouraged to gather.
“In June, we did what many claimed was impossible: peacefully mobilized millions of people to take to the streets and declare with one voice: America has No Kings. And it mattered. The world saw the power of the people. President Trump’s birthday parade was drowned out by protests in every state and across the globe. His attempt to turn June 14 into a coronation collapsed, and the story became the strength of a movement rising against his authoritarian power grabs.”
Where are the protests happening in Louisiana?
According to the No Kings protest website, a total of 10 protests have been planned across Louisiana. Two of those protests are being planned in the New Orleans area.
The first protest will be held in Hammond from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zemurray Park in Hammond.
WDSU has reached out to the Hammond Police Department for a statement regarding the protest and whether any road closures are in place.
The second protest will be held in New Orleans at the Lafitte Greenway. The protest will start at 3:30 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m.
The New Orleans Police Department did not issue a statement or a plan for the protest.
For more on the No Kings protests, click here.
Information from the Associated Press was used to contribute to this report.
READ MORE:New Orleans residents plan to participate in ‘No Kings Day’ protests
