‘No Kings’ rally in Fresno was spirited, but will it mean anything at all? | Opinion

At the “No Kings” protest near Fresno’s River Park Shopping Center on Saturday, two things seemed clear to me within a matter of hours: folks had a better understanding of the Constitution than President Donald Trump, and the people I met who lined up on both sides of Blackstone were not paid one penny.

The frustration citizens felt was high, particularly those who believe Trump is trampling on the Constitution, less than five months after being inaugurated in January. That frustration was expressed on clever signs and placards, such as the one that read: ‘Hey Trump, 1776 called and wants its democracy back.’ That one drew numerous honks from passing motorists.

News of the past week was on the minds of many on Saturday.

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla was spirited away from a press conference and handcuffed by federal officials; America’s wannabe king sent federal troops to Los Angeles in what his administration says is needed to “free” the city and California from its elected leaders; and, federal immigration officials, backed by the National Guard and Marines, caught legal residents in their campaign to meet a 3,000-a-day deportation quota.

The Fresno rally was one of hundreds throughout the country on a day when Trump celebrates his 79th birthday with a military parade to honor him. It’s always about him.

“I don’t like the direction the country is being led by Trump,” said retired Fresno office planner Dean MacDonald.. “We’re at a time where we need to bring people together, and he’s just creating more reasons to fight among ourselves. We need someone who’s going to join us with common sense.”

I’d rather have the 68-year-old MacDonald lead this country than a man who seems intent on punishing California and its residents. Yes, our state has a budget deficit, high costs for fuel, poverty and polluted air, but pouring gasoline into the fire by mobilizing the National Guard and Marines without consulting Gov. Gavin Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was plain wrong.

The grievances leveled against Trump were precise.

-No use of military forces in Los Angeles or any other American city.

-Stop painting the immigrant community as an invasion of criminals and those intent on helping themselves to public benefits.

-The country does not need an authoritative leader who flaunts federal court decisions and believes he knows more about anything than anyone else.

Trump needs remedial history lessons

It’s obvious Trump and his lawyers need to brush up on the Constitution. Real patriots understand habeas corpus, due process and states’ rights. The man has no guardrails!

I asked a woman at Saturday’s rally to grade Trump. “I don’t think he’s ever read (the Constitution,” replied the grandmother of seven who handed out water to participants but didn’t want to be identified. “So, I guess it would be an F.”

Other people criticized Trump for terrorizing the immigrant community, which is a major concern in the heartland of California $59 billion agricultural industry that relies heavily on undocumented labor. Fresno State student Lexi Negrete showed up to support the protest against Trump.

“I have family that is scared to come out, so I’m here protesting to be their voice,” said Negrete. “They have a fear of even going out to the grocery store. It’s scary to feel like you need to hide in a home. It’s not OK.”

What’s scary is that the judicial system is all there is to rein in Trump as the founders of our nation envisioned. and the courts don’t seem up to the challenge.

What’s even scarier is that slightly more than 50 percent of Fresno County voters decided last November that voting for Trump was a good decision. For the first time since 2004, when incumbent George W. Bush won, a Republican carried the Fresno County vote.

The “No Kings” movement brands Trump a king our democracy doesn’t need. It’s clever. But unless the people who turned out in Fresno on Saturday can multiply and channel their frustration and fear in future elections, Saturday’s rally will mean nothing.

This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 2:06 PM.