On Saturday, demonstrators on St. Thomas gathered at Windward Passage and marched along the Waterfront to the People’s Promenade, taking part in the nationwide No Kings movement.
The St. Thomas rally was part of a nationwide effort involving more than 300 grassroots organizations, with events at over 2,600 locations across all 50 states. Organizers emphasized nonviolent resistance and the defense of democratic principles and institutions.
Events were held in cities ranging from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to smaller areas across the country, including all three islands of the USVI.
The demonstrations drew criticism from Republican leaders, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, who told reporters earlier in the week, “I encourage you to watch — we call it the Hate America rally — that will happen Saturday.”
But on St. Thomas, one protester carried a sign that read, “We love America. That’s why we protest.” The sign provided a stark contrast to Johnson’s characterization, reflecting that local participants saw the demonstrations as a patriotic exercise of their First Amendment rights. Motivated by their love for their country, not hatred.
Jane Higgins, organizer of the St. Thomas rally, pushed back against Republican leaders who had labeled the events as hostile and un-American. “They are afraid of people standing up for their rights. People who want to suppress your rights are in fear. We’re not in fear,” she said.
Anna Monica, a local participant, also disagreed with Republican leaders’ characterizations. “It’s peaceful. It is nothing but peaceful,” she said, noting the presence of attendees from diverse backgrounds and communities. “We have some children, we have some older people. It’s a very pleasant gathering, with nice music.”
Demonstrators danced to the music of the St. Thomas All Stars Steel Orchestra, highlighting the peaceful nature of the event. “We are here playing to support the No Kings event, and we’re happy to be here,” said a representative of the orchestra.
Attendees raised concerns on a wide range of issues, including defending democracy against what they described as early signs of authoritarianism, advocating for fair and livable wages, higher taxes on billionaires, climate action, stronger opposition to Project 2025, and greater government transparency, including calls for the release of the Epstein files.
Demonstrators voiced opposition to the growing presence of immigration authorities in the territory and across the nation. Others expressed concern about the effects of national policy decisions on the islands.
“We are a US territory. There’s always the fear. It’s the ripple down effect. Budget cuts and defunding of social programs for children and parents. It is happening, and no one here in our local government was paying enough attention to addressing this previously and preparing people, or coming up with other solutions. Well, now it’s here on our doorstep, so we’re having to demonstrate like the rest of the country is,” said Megan Anderson, a local participant in the demonstrations.
Attendees expressed concern over what they described as worrying signs of authoritarianism and shifting definitions of anti-fascism. Attendees highlighted personal or family histories of resisting fascism and strongly disagreed with the Trump administration’s designation of antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. They viewed this move as an attempt to suppress dissent and intimidate political opposition.
“The government has twisted the meaning of ‘anti-fascist’ and said it’s people here in the United States who don’t like the government,” said Suzy Petersen, a local demonstrator, who said she disagrees with the actions of the Trump administration. “Congress isn’t stopping him. No one’s stopping him. And I’m here marching today because I believe in democracy, and I believe in freedom. I’m not a fascist, I’m anti-fascist.”
Many participants said their involvement was about more than any single issue. From protecting civil liberties to challenging policies they viewed as overreach, demonstrators described the rally as a chance to exercise free speech, stand united, and inspire action on a variety of local and national challenges.
Amid their diverse concerns, participants agreed on the need to act collectively to protect the nation’s democratic foundations in response to the unprecedented actions of the current administration. “We’re all going to come together because of this. We have to, to save our country,” said Higgins.
