Hundreds gather for "No Kings" protests in Canton, Malone, Plattsburgh and many others
- slcnydems
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
From Catherine Wheeler's story on NCPR, June 15, 2025
An estimated 5 million people across the country took to the streets this weekend to protest the Trump Administration.
The protests were called “No Kings” rallies and coincided with a military parade Trump scheduled in Washington, DC, for the Army’s 250th anniversary, and also his birthday.
In the North Country, thousands of people rallied along streets in Massena, Plattsburgh, Long Lake, and Saranac Lake.
In Glens Falls, a counter protester allegedly assaulted a man, according to former Post-Star editor Ken Tingley.
On Saturday morning, people protesting Trump’s administration filled the sidewalks of downtown Canton.
"It stretches all the way from the railroad tracks down to the gas station. It’s pretty impressive for a small town," said Shelly Tramposh. She was among the hundreds who congregated at Canton’s main intersection.
Protesters waved signs that read “No Kings! And “Resist.” They chanted and waved American flags.
"I think it says that there’s at least a number of people who are upset about what’s going on," Tramposh said. "I’m also pleased about how many people in cars are honking in cars and smiling and waving. It’s a nice thing to see."
Protesters said they’re standing up against Trump’s actions—ranging from his crackdown on immigration to the cuts he’s already made to schools, scientific research and the arts.
Susan Mitchell of Canton said she’s worried about Trump’s proposed federal budget bill that’s making its way through Congress. It would cut trillions in taxes and scale back safety net programs.
"Sixteen million people will lose health care. Cuts in SNAP benefits will affect 3.2 million people," Mitchell said.
Mitchell was citing estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office about potential impacts from Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Mitchell said she’s worried about how the cuts would affect the North Country.
"We can’t do that to our future and to our children," she said. "It will bankrupt our country, in my opinion. So we’re asking people to contact their representatives and to resist, attend protests, everything in a peaceful, non-violent way."
Trump’s increased immigration enforcement was also on the minds of protesters. The North Country hasn’t been spared from the ramp-up.
Last week, federal immigration authorities raided two nail salons in neighboring Potsdam, along with homes in Colton and Hannawa Falls.
Anne Townsend lives in Colton. She said she immigrated to the U.S. decades ago as a child, and she’s been proud to be an American all these years.
"I now get up in the mornings and feel that this is a totally different country than the one I’ve had the privilege of living in," Townsend said. "I cannot sit still and let this happen. Coming out here, voicing my opinion, yelling my opinion, that this is not right."
Townsend said Saturday’s scene was energizing.
"I want to remain hopeful. I just don’t know. But I’ll keep at it until things—until, frankly, Donald Trump no longer is our president," she said.
Protesters said they’re hopeful that the large gathering shows their movement is growing here in the North Country.
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