‘We are not a kingdom’: Indian-American author Padma Lakshmi backs ‘Kingless’ protests against Trump policies

Indian-American author and television host Padma Lakshmi on Saturday expressed support for the nationwide “No King” protests, joining thousands of demonstrators opposing US President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies and the war with Iran.Lakshmi is best known for hosting the long-running cooking competition show “Top Chef.” “I have always believed in the American Dream, that everyone has a place here and contributes to our country, 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 at a news conference in New York.Silence, she said, is not an option: “We will not be silent. We will stand up for each other and for an America that is not subject to the whims of one person or anyone. We are not a kingdom, but a land where consensus or the majority rule. Today, we reject fear.”The protests are part of the “No Kings” movement, taking place in many US states, with more than 3,000 events planned and expected to reach 9 million people. Demonstrators opposed the MAGA movement’s immigration policies, military action, and expansion of presidential power.

“Put down the crown, clown”

In Washington, hundreds of marchers passed the Lincoln Memorial and entered the National Mall, chanting “No King” and holding signs that read “Clowns, put down the crown” and “Regime change starts at home.” Protesters rang bells, banged drums and marched through the streets in a peaceful expression of dissent.A large rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, attracted thousands of people and featured high-profile speakers and performers. bruce springsteen performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” which was written in response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by ICE agents in recent months. It’s also a tribute to those who protest in the winter.New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime critic of Trump, also spoke at a news conference in New York. “The law matters in this country, and we challenge illegal federal actions in the courts. We Democratic attorneys general stand up to those who think they can use fear and division to control our communities. But we are winning. I guess that’s why I was targeted. We will keep fighting because no one is above the law,” she said.