Newark Residents Rally For 'No Kings' Protest: Demonstrators Blast Trump's 'Fascist Policies'

NEWARK, NJ — “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration took place over the weekend across New Jersey, including in Newark.

More than five million people attended over 2,100 events across the country on Saturday, according to an estimate from the ALCU. That included a rally that launched from the Lincoln Statue on Springfield Avenue in Newark.

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.

"Donald Trump is trying to make himself a dictator," charged Lawrence Hamm, chair of the POP and a former U.S. Senate candidate.

"What Trump has been doing since his return to office for the past six months is an extension of his attempted January 6, 2021 coup," Hamm said.

"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."

Other attendees at the protest included Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele, a history teacher in the Newark Public School District.

"I spoke at No Kings rally in Newark to inspire the people about the importance of protecting Africana studies (Black studies) from White supremacy being taught in America’s schools," Akinyele said. "Our solidarity unified us to protest the racist policies of Trump and the MAGA Republican agenda."

The protests were organized independently across the nation by local advocacy groups and community members. Other nearby rallies took place in Bloomfield, Caldwell, Glen Ridge, Montclair and South Orange.

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 both 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 Trumps 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.

• See Related: Trump Endorses Republican Candidate In NJ Governor Race

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