Thousands of Maryland residents took to the streets yesterday to express their opposition to President Donald Trump in a series of statewide protests known as "No Kings Day." The demonstrations, characterized by their peaceful nature, spread across Maryland cities, including Baltimore, Annapolis, and Columbia. The sentiment uniting the protesters was clear: rejecting any notion of autocracy and calling to uphold the Constitution.
According to a report by WBALTV, DeLane Lewis of Together We Will, a Harford County organization, voiced the core message at the protest in Bel Air, "We tolerate no Kings in this country." Meanwhile, in Patterson Park, Baltimore, nearly 5,000 people gathered, with Indivisible Baltimore's Ellie Rosenstock highlighting the diverse demographics' solidarity against what they perceive as presidential overreach. Throughout Maryland, elected officials, including U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, added their voices, advocating continued vigilance in defending democracy.
Gaining momentum, the protesters' discontent stems from decisions made by the Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration policy, as noted by WMAR2News. While President Trump attended a military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary, protesters chose this day to voice their concerns, reinforcing that this is not merely opposition, but also a stance to honor genuine democratic principles.
Local residents and organizers emphasized the peaceful nature of these demonstrations. "I just think Baltimore needs to stay together. We're a strong city. Baltimore loves each other," said Kimberlee Swift, a protester, during the Patterson Park rally, according to WMAR2News. The events featured vocal expressions of political dissatisfaction and community-building aspects with music and food. Senator Van Hollen, during his speech, encapsulated the message resonating across the gatherings, "We don't bow down to kings, we don't accept a lawless president, we don't accept a president who disrespects the Constitution of the United States and we're going to keep marching until we get our country back."
Political figures provided mixed reactions to the day's events. State Sen. Jason Gallion expressed his appreciation for the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Yet, Szeliga, a Baltimore County Delegate, expressed disappointment that the protests coincided with the military parade and the celebration of the U.S. Army's significant milestone. Gov. Wes Moore, an Army veteran himself, had a nuanced view, recognizing the military's historical contributions while questioning the timing and necessity of the President's parade. Delane Lewis with Together We Will summarized their cause, stating, "We are gathering peacefully on Flag Day, under the American flag, to demand that Congress and our (Rep. Andy Harris, R-District 1) uphold their oaths to the Constitution and stop the president's unchecked grab for power." When contacted by WBALTV, Harris's office did not respond for comment.
