FORT KENT, Maine — About 45 protestors marched from Monument Square to the University of Maine at Fort Kent last weekend as part of the national “No Kings” protest.
It is one of several “No Kings” protests that took place in Maine over the weekend. Hundreds filled downtown Bangor in protest of Trump’s administration, and protests in Aroostook County also took place in Houlton and Presque Isle.
It is also the second protest in Fort Kent this year. Organizers in February took to the freezing streets of Fort Kent earlier this year and to protest the actions of ICE and Border Patrol agents who shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Dana Appleby, who also helped organize the February ICE protest, was one of four organizers for the recent “No Kings” protest. Appleby said they spread the word by advertising on Facebook, sending out emails and putting up posters in town where permitted.
“We disagree with the current administration’s actions,” Appleby said. “The bombing of a girls’ school in Iran was the tipping point for me. However, our marchers’ signs demonstrated their concern for ICE actions, threats to democracy, human rights and equality and the war with Iran.”
Appleby said that while most cars passing by honked and waved. And while she said they did see a few Trump supporters drive by and wave “Make America Great Again” hats, there were no major disruptions.
The last “No Kings” rally took place in October across the country and in 37 communities throughout Maine. The first “No Kings” rally took place roughly one year ago in April. Protestors at the first nationwide event focused on the administration’s actions toward immigration and extensive cuts made via Elon Musk’s DOGE program.
The Fort Kent protest was generally critical of the administration, but much of that criticism focused on the Iran war. Signs held by protestors included messages like “Save Democracy, Stop Trump,” “No Kings,” “No War,” “Make Love Not War,” and “Send Barron To War.”
Appleby said that while the afternoon was cold, the protesters were glad to attend.
“Everyone was so happy to be out demonstrating their legal right to protest the Trump administration’s policies, despite the cold weather,” she said.
