‘No Kings’ protest rally packed downtown Sioux Falls, part of statewide, nationwide effort opposing Trump
They came for many reasons, but they were united with opposition to President Donald Trump.
Downtown Sioux Falls was filled with people chanting, cheering and waving posters to register their dismay with Trump. A crowd estimated at around 3,500 surrounded the Federal Courthouse to stage one of 2,700 “No Kings” rallies held across the country and in other nations on Saturday. At least 8 million people took part.
In South Dakota, Indivisible 605 and 50501 South Dakota organized protests in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Brookings, Watertown, Vermillion, Pierre, Huron, Mitchell and Spearfish.
It was a cool, windy day, but that didn’t keep people away. They were packed together in the state’s largest city, waving at vehicles as they inched past on Phillips Avenue. Many honked their horns in support, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Mary Keller, 88, of Sioux Falls, said she felt compelled to attend the event. Why?
“Because I’m anti-Trump and pro-America,” Keller told me.
She said she was deeply disappointed Trump was elected in 2020. His first term should have proven to the country that he could not be trusted, Keller said.
“But noooo!” she said.
Joan Severtson , 70, of Flandreau, also was drawn to the event. She was with her friend Beth, who declined to reveal her last name. There are sometimes unforeseen consequences for daring to speak out against this current regime.
Joan and Beth said they were appalled with the direction of the country under Trump.
“Is there somebody who isn’t?” Beth said.
Jared, who also chose not to share his last name, said he came to the rally for his daughters.
“I want to make sure they have an America similar to what I grew up in, or better,” the 30-year-old Sioux Falls resident told me. “And that starts with democracy.”
District 15 Rep. Erik Muckey, D-Sioux Falls, was among the speakers at a stage set up in a courtyard. Muckey made a special trip to the rally before heading to his wife’s birthday party, he told the crowd.
Muckey said he was proud to be with them, and dismayed by Republicans accusing “No Kings” organizers and participants of being anti-American.
“These are the people who love America the most,” he said.
Muckey said while there are only eight Democratic legislators out of the 105 members of the South Dakota Legislature, they work hard for all residents. They are doing more for South Dakotans than Sens. John Thune, Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson, he said.
Americans gathered together on Saturday to register their opposition to a king or dictator, Muckey said. They don’t want anyone to hold that kind of power.
“No one is above the law,” he said. “No one.”
I also spoke to three frogs, which was a new experience after 45 years in this business.
There were a few people in costume, emulating the protest frogs and other characters who have stood up to and mocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Portland.
“We’re trying to be part of it,” one of the frogs said. “In a cool way.”
It was a cool crowd, with no reports of violence. There was concern the night before the protest when Sioux Falls police spotted a suspicious car parked by the courthouse. The area was cordoned off and a bomb-sniffing dog brought in, but there were no explosives present.
Police learned it was a stolen vehicle that had been abandoned in a handicapped zone. After initial worries and rumors were shared on social media, the area was cleared for the event.
There was a small pro-Trump gathering nearby, and some MAGA loyalists did drive past or stroll by the rally. One I saw played a rap song about the convicted felon in the White House, and he seemed to enjoy his opportunity to try to irritate people.
No one seemed to notice him, however.
I saw several police officers who were at the scene, and said to one that it was an enthusiastic but well-behaved crowd.
“That’s the way we like it,” he said.
Exactly. It was democracy in action, Americans expressing their views and rallying with folks who shared their concern. This was the latest of several rallies in Sioux Falls and across the country, with many more to come.
Because for millions of Americans, what we are experiencing right now is not right, not normal, not what they want.
It’s not because Trump is a Republican, or ostensibly a conservative. It’s not because the GOP controls both chambers of Congress and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court seems to do his bidding.
They’re not happy about those facts, and hope to change them in upcoming elections. This level of activity and unity indicates they have a chance. In South Dakota, that might just mean winning a few more seats in the state Senate and House, but there might be a glimmer of hope for statewide candidates down the road.
Because the wild ride Trump has taken America on in these nine months has millions of people sick and tired of his arrogance and disregard for tradition and the Constitution.
The numbers show it, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showing 58% of Americans disapprove of Trump, while just 40% support him. His policies on immigration enforcement, tariffs, trade and international relations have grated on most people.
They are angry and they will continue to raise their voices.
Even the frogs.
Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states for four decades. He has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Do not republish without permission.
Photo: Tom Lawrence
The South Dakota Standard is offered freely and is supported by our readers. We have no political or commercial sponsorship. If you'd like to help us continue our mission to advance independent political and social commentary, you can do so by clicking on the "Donate" button that's on the sidebar to your right.
