Robert De Niro is encouraging people in the United States to join the “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump that will take place across the country on October 18th.
In a video shared to Instagram, De Niro, 82, spoke about the “first 'No Kings' protests” that took place 250 years ago.
“Americans decided they didn't want to live under the rule of George III. They declared independence and fought a bloody war for democracy,” De Niro said. “Since then, we have built a democracy for two and a half centuries. It has been often difficult, sometimes messy, but always essential. And we have fought two world wars to protect it.”
“Now we have a king candidate who is trying to take it away from us, Donald I. That,” the Oscar winner continued. “We will rise again, this time non-violently, and loudly declare, “There is no king.''
“I'm Robert De Niro, and I'm asking you to stand up and join the 'No Kings' protests nationwide on October 18th,” the actor concluded. “We are all in this together. We are inseparable and there is freedom and justice for all.”
“No Kings” protests first broke out in hundreds of American cities this year on June 14 during a military parade in Washington commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. military, which coincided with President Trump's birthday.
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The protest was held in response to what organizers claimed was President Trump's plan to boost his self-respect on his 79th birthday, which also happened to be Flag Day. The “No Kings” theme was organized by the 50501 movement. The movement represents 50 states, 50 protests and a movement, made up of American citizens who say they support democracy and oppose the Trump administration's so-called authoritarian actions.
Protesters liken Trump's actions to those of a king rather than a democratically elected president, and are calling for his “abdication.”
“They have defied our courts, deported Americans, taken people off our streets, attacked our civil rights and cut our services,” the group said on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They have done this while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
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Stephen Colbert also called on people to join the protests on Tuesday's episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
“In response to this clear authoritarian abuse of power by the administration, my friends, this weekend 2,500 rallies will be held across the United States under the banner of the 'No Kings' protests,” Colbert said, before cutting to footage of House Speaker Mike Johnson calling the protests “Hate America Rally.”
“Do you hate America? It's 'No Kings.'” America doesn't like kings. There are only three good kings in America: Gail, Stephen, and Berger.”
The No Kings coalition responded to Johnson's comments, calling the protests an “American rally of hate” and blaming the “ongoing government shutdown”.
“Speaker Johnson is running out of excuses to continue shutting down the government. Instead of reopening the government, keeping health care affordable, and lowering costs for working families, he is attacking millions of Americans who are peacefully rallying to say that America belongs to the people, not the king,” the group said, adding, “We will meet with everyone on October 18th.”
— With files from The Associated Press
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