No Kings demonstrations in Terre Haute and across America

 Readers’ Forum -- Terre Haute Tribune Star, June 24,2025

‘No Kings’ demonstrations across U.S. significant

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, over 2,000 “No Kings” demonstrations across America took place. Over 400 patriots were counted at the Terre Haute demonstration. Nationwide total estimates are 4 million. Standing in sunshine or in rain, making a statement against the goals and actions of the Trump administration, these Americans knew what the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution means.

The No Kings demonstrations cost Americans zero tax dollars. They were paid for in thought, courage, and up front, open patriotism.

In Washington, D.C., Trump sat on a podium throne and (when he wasn’t dozing) smiled his grim and twisted smile. June 14th, 2025, is the date of the anniversary of the founding of the American Army. This date is also our self-involved and self-dealing President’s birthday. Few deny this parade was another self-aggrandizing Trump performance. This one will cost taxpayers an estimated $45 million in tax dollars.

D.C. parade attendance? Maybe 200,000. (Many who attended made it clear they were there to support the military they and their loved ones without heel bone spurs had served in.) 200K. Far less than those who turned out to fight the costly authoritarianism this wannabe king works to put into place. In Terre Haute and across America it was hand-painted signs spelling out and supporting Truths vs. the Trump ordered, ego satisfying, military hardware in D.C.

Which side are you on? Vigo County Americans know the answer to this important question. Indiana Republicans in Congress and the state legislature must move off the path of rote obedience to Trumpism if this nation is to be saved from an authoritarianism crippling democracy.