Indian American author and television host Padma Lakshmi voiced support for nationwide “No Kings” protests on Saturday, joining thousands of demonstrators opposing US President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies and the war in Iran.Lakshmi is best known for hosting the long-running cooking competition show “Top Chef.” She spoke at a news conference in New York, saying, “I’ve always believed in the American dream that everyone can have a place here and contribute to our nation, but seeing ICE deployed in our cities and terrorizing our communities, including killing multiple citizens, tells me that we have trampled on that dream and forgotten who we are.”She said that silence is not an option: “We will not be silent. We will show up for each other and for an America that is not subject to the whims of one man or any person. We are not a kingdom, but a land where consensus or majority rules. Today we reject fear.”The protests were organised as part of the “No Kings” movement and were held across many US states, with over 3,000 events planned and turnout expected to reach nine million people. Demonstrators oppose the MAGA movement’s immigration policies, and military actions, and expansion of presidential power.
‘Put down the crown, clown’
In Washington, hundreds of marchers moved past the Lincoln Memorial and into the National Mall, chanting “No kings” and holding signs reading “Put down the crown, clown” and “Regime change begins at home.” Protestors rang bells, played drums, and marched through the streets in a peaceful show of dissent.A large rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, drew thousands and featured high-profile speakers and performers. Bruce Springsteen performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” written in response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by ICE agents in recent months. It was also a tribute to those who protested over the winters.Long-term Trump critic and New York Attorney General Letitia James also spoke at the New York briefing. She said: “The law matters in this country and we have challenged illegal federal actions in court. And we Democratic attorneys general have stood up to those who think that they can use fear and division to control our communities. But we are winning. And I guess that’s why I’m a target. And we will continue to fight because no one is above the law.”
