Major protests are being staged across America hours before President Trump’s military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary. The event, set to take place in Washington, also happens to fall on the 47th President’s birthday. The administration has been under fire lately over its handling of immigration, with California burning for days. Now, celebrities have stepped in and taken to the streets in what’s being called the ‘No Kings’ protest. Jimmy Kimmel, Kerry Washington, and Ayo Edebiri are just a few of the big names joining the fight, pushing back against the President’s “aggressive immigration raids and his growing use of executive powers,” moves many are calling dangerously authoritarian.
Jimmy Kimmel, Ayo Edebiri lead ‘No Kings’ protest against Donald Trump
Jimmy Kimmel marched with his parents in the South Bay Area in Northern California. The talk show host, who has never shied away from criticising Trump and has been a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party for years, posted a photo on Instagram saying he felt grateful to see so many Americans come together peacefully. “I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good. The most important words ever spoken are ‘Love one another.’ It really is as simple as that.” Kimmel, protesting from San Francisco, added, “I know how fortunate I am to have been born into a family that taught me to care about others and that the most important words ever spoken are ‘Love one another.’ It really is as simple as that.”
Mark Ruffalo spoke to MSNBC, leading the protest from New York. When the reporter questioned why people are protesting out in the rain, he replied, “Because we see our democracy is in real trouble.” Adding that they don’t see hope for a powerful opposition that can stand against the current administration, the Hulk actor said, “We’re disgusted and we’re scared, and we know that the only way to fight this now is for the people to come together,” citing trampling of rights, the Constitution, kidnapping of immigrants, etc. Later, while speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the Hollywood A-lister even called the fellow protesters real-life Avengers. “Being brave for what we hold dear — our freedoms, our democracy, and each other — it’s on us, guys. Literally, together, we’re the Avengers now. No one’s gonna come and save us, man. Americans unite.”
Kerry Washington also voiced her support, posting photos of herself at the protest, surrounded by fellow demonstrators. Her message read: “#NoKings, just some QUEENS I found marching, speaking up, and fighting for Democracy.” The Bear star Ayo Edebiri wrote on her Instagram, “I love you & I have your back! Stay brave!”
Also read: Putin, Trump discuss Iran-Israel situation by telephone, Kremlin aide says
Glenn Close attended a protest in Bozeman, Montana. Later, took to her Instagram to criticise the shocking killings of Minnesota lawmakers Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman, that happened earlier the same day. Close said her heart went out to their families and expressed her frustration: “One would think that on a day when millions peacefully demonstrate for the America that we know and love, this kind of violence wouldn’t happen. But the underbelly of violence, conspiracy, and hidden weapons across this country is surfacing. These people think they can take matters into their own hands and make it harder for us to regain our democracy. But we must not, not, not be afraid. We must not.”
Story continues below this ad
The White Lotus fame, Natasha Rothwell, joined the protest, holding up a blunt sign that read: “You Are Trash.” She captioned her post: NO KINGS.
Singer Gracie Abrams shared pictures from the protests on Instagram Stories. One of her signs read: “Free speech is not an insurrection,” while another picture quoted Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez from Woodstock, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Mary Elizabeth Ellis from Los Angeles, Anna Kendrick (A Simple Favor), Tessa Thompson (Creed), Evanescence singer Amy Lee, and Morgan Fairchild also took part, sharing their protest moments online.
