Anti-Trump Protests Amidst UFC Event at the White House
As Donald Trump gets ready to mark America’s 250th anniversary today with a UFC event at the White House, a network of passionate activists has organized its own response. This includes a concert featuring Jane Fonda, numerous “watch parties,” and local events like “RAGE AGAINST THE CAGE!” It’s a coordinated effort focused on opposing Trump through protests and campaigning for the upcoming midterm elections.
Roughly 400 organizations from the “No Kings” coalition, which collectively has an annual income of about $3 billion, have mobilized nationwide protests. According to internal documents, the strategy involves utilizing concerts and community gatherings to energize the political organizing network.
At 4 p.m., one protest, organized by the group “Reject Fascism,” is set to take place at McPherson Square near the White House. Notably, UFC fighter Sean Strickland has publicly noted his intention to attend the protest after being removed from a main event for voicing views on Israel and the Iran war. “I’ll bring the loudspeaker,” he mentioned in a social media post.
Additionally, the Women’s March organization, which has significant funding, is setting up portable toilets for its protest in Farragut Square, not far from the White House.
The 16-page “No Kings Event Host Toolkit” describes June 14th as pivotal for transforming mass demonstrations into lasting political change. Organizers aim to turn Trump’s hosted UFC event into an opportunity for grassroots activism, emphasizing that it should be a moment to strengthen local ties.
Indivisible, a Democratic nonprofit supported by prominent donors, has turned over the lead for events to the Committee for the First Amendment, which Fonda chairs. They plan a concert titled “Stand Up, Sing: A Concert for the First Amendment,” kicking off at 7:30 p.m. in New York City, with tickets selling for a high price on the secondary market.
Fonda, who has been critical of Democratic leaders for their lack of action against Trump, aims to rally people for these “NO KINGS” protests, emphasizing the gravity of the current political situation. The concert is portrayed as a celebration of free expression and a counter to Trump’s event, reflecting a different political narrative focused on community empowerment.
The tracking documents from the “No Kings” coalition suggest a long-term strategy to create sustainable activist networks, not just momentary protests. There’s a clear intent to keep participants engaged in activism beyond the immediate event, guiding them on how to foster future gatherings.
While the organizers highlight a commitment to a non-violent approach, there’s an underlying caution about potential political alignments. Myriad documents outline a strict non-partisan stance, aiming to ensure compliance with legal requirements while weaving a narrative of collective action against Trump’s presidency.
Moreover, fronted by celebrities, the campaign’s leadership shares connections with groups that face inspections regarding alleged links to foreign entities, complicating the narrative even further.
So, while the day unfolds with festivities in the White House, expect these protests to craft an alternate story—one centered around activism, community, and a counter-narrative to the actions of the President.
