‘No Kings’ Protest Against Trump in Monticello Draws Hundreds

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Hundreds of people gathered in the parking lot by the Read it Again bookstore in Monticello on June 14 as part of nationwide demonstrations called the ‘No Kings’ protests. The Sullivan County rally was part of more than 2,000 events across the country pushing back on what organizers describe as the Trump administration’s “escalating abuses of power.”

Protesters spilled onto the surrounding sidewalks lining the Government Center before marching up and down Broadway. The national protests were organized by a coalition of organizations, including American Civil Liberties Union, Indivisible, and over 150 partners.

Many attendees waved American flags and signs with crossed out king crowns and messages decrying the Trump administration’s policies to drastically increase immigration raids, enforce retaliatory tariffs, and cut critical healthcare programs.

Retired veteran, Liz Russell, was one of those protesters. “I served 20 years in the Air Force. When I retired, my oath did not expire. President Trump is a traitor and does not deserve to be leading the free world nor our valiant military,” said Russell.

Since Trump came into office in January, the Department of Veterans Affairs has fired more than 1,400 employees they deem “non-mission critical positions.” The department has also proposed eliminating about 80,000 workers from its workforce, many of whom are veterans themselves.

Holding a large red sign that read ‘Impeach,’ Michael Newman said the current administration had shaken the foundations of American democracy.

“We’re trying to show our solidarity together for the constitution and maybe save this country,” said Newman.

Trump’s economic policies have also come under fire. Local businesses told Radio Catskill that Trump’s sweeping tariffs would increase the cost of common imported goods, like coffee beans and car parts. Gordon Jenkins of Sullivan County said Trump’s economic policies have already hit his small beauty supply business.

“It already started,” said Jenkins. “You can see the increases of what he’s doing.”

For Allen Frishman, it was difficult to pinpoint only one reason why he showed up.

“He said he’s gonna drop the price of this, he’s gonna stop the wars in 24 hours, he ain’t doing nothing,” said Frishman. “These guys’ pockets don’t get affected, but the small guys, they’re killing.”

Saturday’s national No Kings rallies coincided against the backdrop of Trump’s military parade in Washington D.C to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday.

Several counter-protesters stood on Broadway in support of President Trump. One woman said she was there to “protest the protest,” adding she was a lesbian who supports the current administration. While some cars drove by to counter-protest the event, the overwhelming majority of drivers honked in support of the No King rally.

In Honesdale, Pennsylvania, an estimated 300 people gathered for a No Kings demonstration at the Fred R. Miller Pavilion on Main Street.

Frishman said local rallies like the event in Monticello are important, adding that Trump’s policies would devastate small rural communities.

“Even in these little communities ‘cos it’s happening all over, if enough people show up, maybe something will happen. I pray.”

Image: A protester marches during the No Kings rally in Monticello on June 14 (Photo Credit: Manor Ink)