Nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests sees Iowans gather in Newton to show resistance

Protestors this weekend gathered around two main thoroughfares in Newton as part of a nationwide resistance to President Donald Trump — known as the “No Kings” protests — drawing both honks of approval from passersby and spiteful vitriol from MAGA movement supporters driving through town.

Signs from the demonstration showed an illustration of Trump spraying a bottle of perfume called “Eau de Musk.” Others proclaimed “Resist White Supremacy” and “Rise Up and Fight Fascism.” Another sign referenced a movie quote: “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”

Megan Berryhill, of Newton, helped organize the demonstration on June 14. She did not expect to see many people, but to her surprise almost 100 people arrived to the Jasper County Courthouse. Another group had formed around Highway 14 near the Casey’s gas station. She and others feared for the future of democracy.

“In my opinion, our democracy has already been overthrown for autocracy,” she said, referring to a government ruled by one person with absolute power, similar to a totalitarian dictatorship. “I know people say we’re on the edge, but I’m thinking once the Supreme Court said (Trump’s) got immunity, that was it.”

According to coverage from the Associated Press, the “No Kings” protests come after recent federal immigration raids and Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. Several of these demonstrations were held in communities throughout the United States this past weekend.

To Berryhill, it seemed as though Trump feels like he can or should do whatever he wants without any form of checks and balances. He is breaking laws and undermining the U.S. Constitution, she added, without any repercussions; his followers only enable him and his actions. Other demonstrators felt the same.

“It feels good — especially in a small town in the Midwest — to know we’re not alone,” she said. “Sometimes you kind of hesitate to speak out if you’re worried you’re going to hurt somebody’s feelings or be targeted … Most of the people who seem to vote Republican now are voting for things that seem to hurt them.”

Berryhill suggested if Trump gets his way with cutting public programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, it’s going to hurt people in Newton.

“We’re not a wealthy town,” she said. “…I understand there is anger and people think the Democrats have let them down — and I don’t disagree with that — but I’m upset that both major parties are beholden to their big money donors. Until we get rid of (overturn) Citizens United, I don’t know how to get around that.”

Still, Berryhill was heartened to see people turnout for the protests.

“I hope this isn’t the last protest in Newton,” she said.