More than 50 “No Kings” rallies took place this weekend across Vermont and Northern New York, as demonstrators gathered to call for accountability, democracy, and what they describe as a stand against authoritarianism.”We are going to save America from kings and authoritarians,” Sen. Peter Welch said.The “No Kings” movement first gained momentum in June, when thousands from all 50 states came together for what organizers called a nationwide push to protect democratic values.Months later, that same message filled Vermont’s capital in Montpelier.”You are part of a great fellowship across the nation and across the world — and we will prevail together,” Rep. Becca Balint said.Among the crowd were demonstrators Madison Babic and Travis Lefebvre, who said they made the trip to speak out on issues ranging from immigration enforcement to healthcare and freedom of speech.”From being in Vermont, I don’t see this many people ever. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing that we all share this together and want to stand up for our rights and for others,” Lefebvre said.Community spaces across the state were transformed into gathering points filled with posters, chants, and calls for change, something Sen. Welch says reflects Vermont’s democratic spirit.”That’s what we do in Vermont, and that’s what democracy is all about. And let me tell you, we need less Trump and more Vermont values in Washington,” Welch said.But not everyone agrees with the rallies’ tone or timing.Vermont GOP chairman Paul Dame said that while protest is a protected right, he worries the events have become what he calls “performative opposition.””If it was about the government shutdown and we reopen the government, we’re not going to see it stop. If it was about ICE and ICE changes their practices, it doesn’t look like we’ll see it stop,” Dame said. “That makes me concerned these protests aren’t about improving public policy but are purely political in nature.”Despite the criticism, demonstrators said the goal remains simple: to remind those in power that democracy, at its core, belongs to the people.”Knowing that so many people believe in this, it’s really nice, and it gives me hope,” Babic said.

MONTPELIER, Vt. —

More than 50 “No Kings” rallies took place this weekend across Vermont and Northern New York, as demonstrators gathered to call for accountability, democracy, and what they describe as a stand against authoritarianism.

“We are going to save America from kings and authoritarians,” Sen. Peter Welch said.

The “No Kings” movement first gained momentum in June, when thousands from all 50 states came together for what organizers called a nationwide push to protect democratic values.

Months later, that same message filled Vermont’s capital in Montpelier.

“You are part of a great fellowship across the nation and across the world — and we will prevail together,” Rep. Becca Balint said.

Among the crowd were demonstrators Madison Babic and Travis Lefebvre, who said they made the trip to speak out on issues ranging from immigration enforcement to healthcare and freedom of speech.

“From being in Vermont, I don’t see this many people ever. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing that we all share this together and want to stand up for our rights and for others,” Lefebvre said.

Community spaces across the state were transformed into gathering points filled with posters, chants, and calls for change, something Sen. Welch says reflects Vermont’s democratic spirit.

“That’s what we do in Vermont, and that’s what democracy is all about. And let me tell you, we need less Trump and more Vermont values in Washington,” Welch said.

But not everyone agrees with the rallies’ tone or timing.

Vermont GOP chairman Paul Dame said that while protest is a protected right, he worries the events have become what he calls “performative opposition.”

“If it was about the government shutdown and we reopen the government, we’re not going to see it stop. If it was about ICE and ICE changes their practices, it doesn’t look like we’ll see it stop,” Dame said. “That makes me concerned these protests aren’t about improving public policy but are purely political in nature.”

Despite the criticism, demonstrators said the goal remains simple: to remind those in power that democracy, at its core, belongs to the people.

“Knowing that so many people believe in this, it’s really nice, and it gives me hope,” Babic said.