Thousands of people are expected to gather at the state Capitol this weekend for the second “No Kings” rally, part of a nationwide day of action against what organizers are calling a growing abuse of power by President Donald Trump and his allies.
The Sacramento event runs from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday on the Capitol’s West Steps, followed by an additional hour of “action zones” focused on voter outreach and the Yes on Proposition 50 campaign.
Ellen Chapman, part of the organizing committee for the Sacramento rally, said the first event in June drew roughly 10,000 people to downtown Sacramento and thousands more across nearby counties. She expects a similar turnout this weekend.
“There’s been such an escalation of the abuse of power on [Trump’s] end that it was just time to stand up again and say, ‘Well, wait a minute. People are not okay with this,’” Chapman explained.
The June rallies spotlighted groups targeted by Trump’s policies, including immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. Chapman said this weekend’s program will focus on how those policies are impacting key institutions like education, business and health care, and the role these institutions can play.
“We are highlighting speakers this time who come from different parts of society to speak to the ways in which Trump’s policies affect them, but also why they need to stand up and oppose the power grab,” she emphasized.
Speakers will include a range of Democratic elected leaders, including Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Sacramento Councilmember Caity Maple, Assemblymember Maggie Krell and Congressman Eric Swalwell. Chapman said the officials will address issues like militarization of cities and Proposition 50.
Chapman added that organizers are working with Capitol CHP to ensure the event remains peaceful and nonviolent. She said organizers have not heard of any counterprotests planned in response to the rally.
Background
The first No Kings rally in June coincided with Washington D.C.’s military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and with Trump’s 79th birthday. Thousands across the Sacramento region participated.
Attendees in the region gathered to protest what they viewed as attacks on the rights of immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ people..
This weekend’s rally is one of more than 2,500 like it planned nationwide. Similar events are scheduled in in Yolo County, Roseville, Elk Grove and Folsom.
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