'Silence is compliance': Thousands pack downtown Lexington for 'No Kings' rally
By Josh James
June 14, 2025 at 2:38 PM EDT
Lexingtonians jammed into the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza Saturday as part of the nationwide anti-Trump protests held under the banner "No Kings."
"Stand up and get loud," Dr. Craig Blair announced to a round of cheers as demonstrators sandwiched into the upper block of plaza, as rain came and went.
The scene was a sea of signs, raised fists, and American flags, many in the upside-down distress signal.
https://x.com/wuky/status/1933942413141144054?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
"Allegiance is sworn to the Constitution — not to a party, not to a religion, and certainly not to any one person," Blair said.
Nearby roadways were lined demonstrators, who received a near-constant response of horn honks and thumbs ups.
While organizers were aiming for the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, speakers urged vigilance againstt an administration they said is adopting increasing authoritarian tactics to mute dissent.
"It means showing up today, tomorrow, and next week," an immigrant speaker said. "Every time there is an injustice."
Roughly 2,000 rallies were planned across the U.S. coinciding with a planned military parade in Washington.
Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement regarding the nationwide protests:
“In just over four months, President Trump and I have done more to lower costs, secure our border, and protect national security for Kentuckians than Joe Biden did in four years. The Democrat Party is at record low approval ratings as a result. I’ll continue working with our President to get results for Kentucky.”
The scene was a sea of signs, raised fists, and American flags, many in the upside-down distress signal.
https://x.com/wuky/status/1933942413141144054?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
"Allegiance is sworn to the Constitution — not to a party, not to a religion, and certainly not to any one person," Blair said.
Nearby roadways were lined demonstrators, who received a near-constant response of horn honks and thumbs ups.
While organizers were aiming for the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, speakers urged vigilance againstt an administration they said is adopting increasing authoritarian tactics to mute dissent.
"It means showing up today, tomorrow, and next week," an immigrant speaker said. "Every time there is an injustice."
Roughly 2,000 rallies were planned across the U.S. coinciding with a planned military parade in Washington.
Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement regarding the nationwide protests:
“In just over four months, President Trump and I have done more to lower costs, secure our border, and protect national security for Kentuckians than Joe Biden did in four years. The Democrat Party is at record low approval ratings as a result. I’ll continue working with our President to get results for Kentucky.”