Photo Gallery

Salem News online edition

Oct 20, 2025

by Michael McHugh

SALEM — More than 300 protesters packed Riley Plaza on Saturday as a part of the No Kings rallies to criticize the Trump administration with attendees calling upon one another to fight for their democracy.

Saturday’s protest was one of more than 2,700 No Kings rallies attended by more than 7 million people nationally. The protests were organized to speak out against the Trump administration on issues like cuts to Medicare-Medicaid, persecution of immigrants, National Guard deployment into cities, defunding of medical research, and arming of ICE, according to Salem’s Call, the nonprofit group organizing Salem’s rally.

Locally, No Kings protests were also held in Beverly, Danvers, Ipswich, Marblehead, Swampscott, and Gloucester on Saturday.

In Salem, the protest was attended by several local officials, including former Salem mayor and current Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll who spoke about the importance of the protesters’ continued presence.

“I am really sad that we’re all here today in some ways, and really happy that we’re all here in other ways, because this is balm for the soul,” she told the protesters. “Democracy isn’t about one person — it’s about us. And there’s no cavalry coming from Washington to save us.

“It’s going to be people just like you, who are here every day, and the hundreds of thousands of people gathered around this country at events like this at city squares and parks, who are standing up and saying, ‘no kings, no dictators. Not then, not now.’”

Maura Madden, a Salem resident who has been at several protests across the North Shore holding an American flag — earning her the nickname “flag lady” — spoke about the many reasons she continues to attend peaceful protests.

“I love our country and our democracy with every heartbeat,” she said. “I wave this flag as a reminder to all people, that this is our flag. It is not owned by any one side, it is the American flag for all.”

Ward 6 City Council candidate Katelyn Holappa called upon protesters to carry their passion and energy beyond Saturday’s rally and beyond Trump’s time in office, emphasizing the importance of continuing to fight for freedom for all.

“When we have fought and won battles against oppression in the past, our problem was that we stopped too early,” Holappa said. “If you are personally here today to demand a life with liberty where you can pursue happiness for yourself, your family, and your community — don’t you dare stop demanding change when you get yours.”

Deborah Baker, a member of Salem’s Call, thanked the crowd for their presence, and asked each person in attendance continue to take action to speak truth to power and provide a voice to the voiceless.

“Rise up to this call, not a call to arms or a call to violence, but action, to unite and do something to avoid further deterioration of our democracy today,” she said.

“I believe that we are not hopeless or helpless. So rise up for your neighbors, for your friends, for the immigrants, for those without a voice, for those without healthcare, for those on social security; rise up against this big ugly bill.”

Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202