Thousands gathered in protest on Lansing’s Capitol lawn yesterday as part of the larger “No Kings” rallies that are held in hundreds of cities across the country. The event was the third in a wave of national protests against the Trump administration.
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the event featured speeches from Michigan representatives, activists and community leaders in solidarity with the “fight against fascism,” followed by a march through downtown.
Inflatable costumes of unicorns, dinosaurs and chickens, along with revolutionary-era outfits, were scattered across the lawn. Hundreds of signs with messages such as “Grab him by the Epstein Files,” “Impeach, Convict, Remove” and “Save our democracy” were raised throughout the crowd.
The rally was organized by Lansing’s Courage in Community Coalition and featured booths from organizations such as the Michigan Grassroots Alliance, the Ingham County Democratic Party, the Crowded Table Coalition and the Sunrise Spartans.
Olivia Schafer, a social relations and policy senior and the lead coordinator for Sunrise Spartans, was thrilled to have a booth for the first time.
“We’ve been out here since 10 a.m. setting up, canvassing and speaking to community members,” Schafer said. “Events like this are great ways to build community and continue calling to action.”
The Sunrise Movement has been working to oppose a proposed data center in Lansing and was canvassing on the issue during the event.
People of all ages, families and communities sat in lawn chairs, chanted protest slogans and waved signs as various speakers took the stage.
Among them stood Erin Reincke, a mother from Eaton Rapids dressed in a Queen of Hearts costume. She stood beside her 11-year-old son and mother.
“I’ve been protesting for over 20 years—my mother took me to protests as a kid, and we’re still here, showing our disgust for what’s going on,” Reincke said.
Her costume, she said, “felt very fitting for the occasion,” not only in reference to the anti-monarchy theme, but also as a way to highlight the “ridiculousness of the administration.”
While most attendees were there in opposition to the administration, only a small number of counter-protesters were present, including a group across the street holding signs with Bible verses and shouting scripture through megaphones.
Protesters were told not to engage, and many seemed unfazed by the display, instead focusing on chanting, holding their signs and listening to speakers.
English and French junior Brennan McKaul said he was pleasantly surprised by the lack of counter-protesters and was pleased with the turnout.
“This affects all of us, and seeing all of these people here for the third time just shows how passionate people are about these issues,” McKaul said.
The rally did not focus on one single issue. Speakers and protesters addressed a variety of topics, including immigration, the ongoing violence and genocide in Palestine, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, and concerns about the war in Iran.
As protesters prepared to march downtown, the final speaker, former East Lansing City Clerk Marie Wicks, said that “these protests are far from over.”
“If you are appalled, you won’t believe how good it feels to make a change,” she said.
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