Politics & Government
Essex County Residents Protest Trump At 'No Kings' Rallies
PHOTOS: Protests against the Trump administration took place over the weekend across New Jersey. Here's where they happened in Essex County.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration took place over the weekend across New Jersey, including several rallies in Essex County.
More than five million people attended over 2,100 events across the country on Saturday, according to an estimate from the ALCU.
The protests were organized independently across the nation by local advocacy groups and community members. In Essex County, rallies took place in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Newark, Montclair and South Orange.
Find out what's happening in Belleville-Nutleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More than 9,000 people attended a rally at Brookdale Park, according to the Montclair Democratic County Committee. Attendees included several local elected officials, including the two top-vote getters in the Democratic primary election for governor: U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Other attendees include U.S. Rep. LaMonica Mclver, who represents several towns and cities in Essex County.
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Find out what's happening in Belleville-Nutleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In Newark, protesters rallied at the Lincoln Statue on Springfield Avenue. The local demonstration was sponsored by the New Jersey Alliance For Immigrant Justice, People’s Organization For Progress (POP), American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, and Make The Road New Jersey.
"We are marching today to oppose his anti-democratic, autocratic and fascist policies," he added, citing "federal budget cuts," tax breaks for the "filthy rich," "racist" and anti-Black policies, "attacks" on voting and other civil rights, ICE raids and mass deportations, and Trump's "war mongering foreign policy," said Lawrence Hamm, chair of the POP and a former U.S. Senate candidate.
In Bloomfield, demonstrators gathered outside the municipal building, carrying umbrellas and signs that read “Resistance Is Not Futile” and “All Of My Outrage Can’t Fit On This Sign.” Others hefted messages that declared “No Human Is Illegal” and “Fight Ignorance Not Immigrants.”
In South Orange, a rally at Spiotta Park in South Orange, which attracted more than 1,400 protesters, according to local advocacy group SOMA Action.
"Over 1,400 of us peacefully marched and gathered to say NO to the Trump regime and YES to an inclusive, welcoming, joyful community," the group reported.
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In Caldwell, protesters gathered at Roseland and Bloomfield avenues carrying signs that read "A Republic If You Can Keep It" and "Justice For All."
In Glen Ridge, more than 250 people showed up despite the rain, carrying signs that read "We The People Not Me The Cheeto," and "Immigrants Make America Great."
Last weekend’s protests were timed for President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. A military parade also took place in Washington D.C. on June 14, although Trump has said the event was meant to celebrate 250 years of the U.S. Army and Flag Day – not necessarily his birthday.
The No Kings rallies have seen cheers and criticism from current and former New Jersey residents.
“I support the protest,” MaryAnn Schaeffer told Patch prior to Saturday’s rally. The Montclair resident said she attended a previous anti-Trump rally at Brookdale Park in April and was inspired, but also wanted to see protesters march in the streets – which would add “more energy.”
Ed Cimasko disagreed.
“These people are nuts,” Cimasko told Patch. “The protestors have way too much time on their hands.”
"We the people elected a strong America First leader and that's exactly what we got," said Michael Jakubas, a North Caldwell resident.
"President Trump is doing exactly what he promised during his campaign," Jakubas added. "We all know that President Trump's second term will come to an end in 2028, so why the 'King' label?"
PREVIOUS PROTESTS
A series of protests have been taking place against the Trump administration, Elon Musk and the ongoing federal budget cuts since the president took office.
More than 1,200 rallies of various sizes took place across the United States on April 5, with some sources estimating the overall attendance at over a million people. Local “Hands Off!” protests were held in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Maplewood, Montclair and West Caldwell. Read More: Anti-Trump Protesters Hit The Streets In Essex County (PHOTOS)
Another round of protests took place on April 19, with local rallies taking place in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and West Caldwell. Read More: Protesters Bash Trump In 3 Essex County Towns Over Easter Holiday Weekend
A third major wave of protests happened on May 1, with two candidates for New Jersey governor attending rallies in Bloomfield and West Caldwell. Read More: ‘May Day’ Protests In Essex County Attract NJ Governor Candidates
Essex County has also seen demonstrations in support of Trump, including a rally in Montclair organized by local GOP voters prior to the president’s Election Day victory.
- See Related: Republican Wanted NJ Town To Raise Flags For Trump Inauguration
- See Related: Jan. 6 Attendee Wants Street In His Hometown Renamed For Donald Trump
Former Vice President Kamala Harris took Essex County in the 2024 presidential election, nailing down 224,596 votes (71.69 percent). Trump scored 83,908 votes – about 26.78 percent.
Trump performed much better on a statewide basis in last November’s election, however, flipping five New Jersey counties from blue to red.
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