Indian-American writer and TV presenter Padma Lakshmi expressed her support for “No Kings” protests across the country on Saturday, joining thousands of demonstrators opposed to US President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies and the war in Iran.Lakshmi is best known for hosting the long-running cooking competition show ‘Top Chef’. “I have always believed in the American dream that anyone can have a place here and contribute to our nation, but seeing ICE rampant in our cities and terrorizing our communities, including killing so many citizens, tells me that we have trampled on that dream and forgotten who we are,” she spoke at a news conference in New York.
She said that silence is not an option: “We will not be silent. We will defend each other and for America, which is not subject to the whims of one man or any person. We are not a kingdom, but a land ruled by consensus or majority. Today we reject fear.”
The protests were organized as part of the “No to Kings” movement and were held in several US states, with more than 3,000 events planned and an expected turnout of nine million people.
Protesters oppose MAGA’s immigration policies, military actions, and expansion of presidential power.
“Put the crown down, clown.”
In Washington, hundreds of demonstrators passed in front of the Lincoln Memorial and inside the National Mall, chanting “No to Kings” and carrying signs reading “Put the crown down, clown” and “Regime change starts at home.” Protesters rang bells, beat drums, and marched through the streets in a peaceful show of dissent.A large rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, attracted thousands and featured high-profile speakers and performers. Bruce Springsteen performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song written in response to the killings of Rene Judd and Alex Peretti, who were shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in recent months. It was also a tribute to those who protested during the winter.
Letitia James, a longtime Trump critic and New York’s attorney general, also spoke at the news conference in New York. “The law matters in this country and we have challenged unlawful federal actions in court. We, Democratic Attorneys General, have stood up to those who believe they can use fear and division to control our communities. But we are winning. And I believe that’s why I was a target. And we will keep fighting because no one is above the law,” she said.
