NO KINGS DAY PROTESTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY INCLUDING CT TARGET EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Protesters gather outside the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford during the “No Kings” march, voicing their opposition to President Trump’s use of executive orders. Photo, Boceto Media

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The “No Kings” march, a nationwide protest against President Trump’s administration, was held across several states this week. Connecticut joined the movement, with the largest demonstration taking place at the Capitol in Hartford.

Poet Nadia Sims, from Manchester, encouraged the crowd to reflect on the nation’s founding principles, reminding them that the United States was built in defiance of monarchies.

“In 1776, the greatest Americans stood up to a king and said, ‘We are not subjects,’” Sims said. “You cannot impose your rules from other parts of the world. You cannot impose!”

A woman stands in front of the Connecticut State Capitol during the “No Kings” march, joining others in the nationwide demonstration. Photo, Boceto Media

With signs in hand, many demonstrators arrived by bus to take part in the national event, organized by community and faith leaders who expressed concern over recent White House actions.

Bishop John Selders, of the Moral Mondays movement, offered a message of unity.

“As many of us gather here in Connecticut, and across the country, with our presence, our bodies, and our voices, we raise them up together.”

Organizers say they will no longer allow President Trump to govern through executive orders, which they interpret as a form of dictatorship.



State Senator Rob Sampson weighed in on social media, arguing that the “No Kings” message should also apply to state officials, including Governor Lamont. He criticized Lamont’s use of executive powers during the pandemic without legislative oversight.


“It’s absurd. It’s dishonest,” Sampson said. “If we truly believe in freedom, let’s stand together against real authoritarianism, those who impose mandates and rule by decree. Let’s end the hypocrisy and the abuse of power.”

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, speaks during the “No Kings” march at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford. Photo, Boceto Media

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, expressed concern about recent ICE raids in Connecticut, including the detention of a Meriden high school student.

“Every immigrant who came here believing in a better future is still fighting for it. We owe them not just protection, but partnership. Are you with me?”

President Trump, during a press conference this week, said he is considering a plan to legalize undocumented immigrants working in agriculture. He noted that ICE raids have left many farms without labor.

“You know, they have really good workers. They’ve worked for them for twenty years. They’re not citizens, but they’ve proven to be excellent,” Trump said. “We’re going to have to do something about that. We can’t hurt our farmers, or the tourism industry, the hotels. We’re going to need a lot of common sense here.”

The event ended peacefully. Organizers say "No Kings Day" aims to keep the national conversation going about checks and balances in the federal government.

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