UPDATE: Hundreds of protesters gathered across the region on October 14, 2023, for the “No Kings” rallies, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. This grassroots movement saw at least 300 participants in Clarkston, while Moscow boasted a crowd of several hundred, marking it as the second in a series of national protests against the administration.
The protests emerge amidst a wave of over 2,500 demonstrations nationwide, reflecting a deepening discontent with Trump’s governance. Protesters expressed urgent concerns over perceived attacks on free speech, immigration practices, and the administration’s handling of civil liberties. “They’re snatching people off the street. They’re masked. We don’t know who they are,” said Shana Hammett, a local resident, emphasizing a growing fear among citizens regarding governmental overreach.
In Moscow, demonstrators rallied against various issues, including the administration’s immigration policies and health care reforms. Megan Klemesrud, a longtime Moscow resident, expressed her dismay, stating, “Losing my health care, that’s a huge one.” Protesters also raised alarms over U.S. involvement in international conflicts, with symbols of solidarity for Palestinian rights visible among the crowd.
The atmosphere was charged as participants chanted and waved signs, many of which criticized Trump’s portrayal of dissenters. “We’re getting portrayed as hating America. And we love America. That’s why we’re here,” noted Brenda Willett, a protester from Tekoa, Washington.
In Clarkston, the rally attracted over 300 attendees, some donning costumes to express their dissent. Participants included a man dressed as Thomas Jefferson, who quoted, “A tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” Many expressed frustration with the current political climate, with retiree Scott Funk stating, “We have a dictator who is running our nation.”
The first anti-Trump rally in Grangeville drew around 100 participants, showcasing a mix of supporters and counter-protesters. Organizer Leta Strauss highlighted the need for civil discourse, stating, “I feel like everybody has the right to do whatever if they feel strongly about it.”
Despite a minor presence from Trump supporters, the “No Kings” rallies emphasized a collective demand for change and a reassertion of democratic values. Protesters urged others to recognize the importance of free speech and to remain vigilant against perceived encroachments on their rights.
As the protests unfold, the movement is gaining momentum, with organizers stressing the importance of continued engagement in civic matters. “Now more than ever is an important time for people to exercise their freedom of speech,” said Marilyn Beckett, an organizer with Indivisible Moscow.
With protests scheduled to continue in the coming weeks, observers are urged to watch for how these demonstrations may influence local and national discourse as citizens push back against what they view as authoritarian governance.
