TOPEKA — Thousands of Kansans participated in “No Kings” rallies Saturday as part of a nationwide backlash to President Donald Trump’s administration.
In Kansas, demonstrations included those held in Pittsburg, Lawrence, Ottawa, Lenexa, Salina, Kansas City, Wichita, Manhattan and Topeka.
The largest demonstration in Kansas was held in Topeka, where a reported 5,000 gathered on the state Capitol grounds to hear speeches by pro-democracy activists.
Organizers estimate that more than 5 million participated in more 2,000 planned protests across the country. The “No Kings” demonstrations were put together by a coalition of more than 200 organizations, including MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers and the Communications Workers of America.
“No Kings” refers to criticism that Trump has overstepped the limits of presidential power including massive cuts to public health agencies and large-scale deportations of migrants.
