Springsteen to Lead “No Kings” Movement in Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota will serve as the focal point of the “No Kings” protest movement on Saturday, coinciding with Bruce Springsteen’s performance of “Streets of Minneapolis.” This comes amidst heightened emotions surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the recent deaths of two residents killed by federal officers.
Nationwide Participation
Over 3,100 events are set to take place across all 50 states, with more than 9 million expected to participate. A significant number of these will occur in suburbs, where opposition to Trump’s policies is gaining momentum.
Flagship Event in Minnesota
The rally at Minnesota’s state Capitol in St. Paul has been designated the flagship event of the day, with organizers anticipating up to 100,000 attendees, following the previous gathering that drew around 80,000.
Global Movement
This movement extends internationally, with rallies planned in over a dozen countries including Canada, Germany, the UK, and Australia. Ezra Levin, a cofounder of Indivisible, highlighted that in nations with constitutional monarchies, the protests are referred to as “No Tyrants.”
Notable Speakers and Performers
In addition to Springsteen, the St. Paul rally will feature acclaimed singer Joan Baez, activist Jane Fonda, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, among other activists and labor leaders.
Context of the Protests
Levin noted Minnesota was selected for its experience with extreme measures from the Trump administration and praised local organizing efforts as inspirational. This will mark the third wave of “No Kings” protests, a series that aims to confront what many view as authoritarianism under Trump. The White House dismissed these protests, attributing them to “leftist funding networks.”
Springsteen’s Impact and Message
Springsteen’s song, created in tribute to the deceased residents, emphasizes the fight against federal overreach. With the slogan “No Kings” featured in his tour logo, he underscores the importance of protecting democratic values in the U.S. “The No Kings movement is of great import right now,” he stated, highlighting the significance of music in these turbulent times.
