A tale of two cities during the No Kings protests
Zanesville and Cambridge saw local rallies protesting the Trump Administration
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Across the U.S. there were 2,500 community protests against the Trump administration and local cities Zanesville and Cambridge saw their share.
The second nation wide No Kings protest this year saw millions across the country voice concern and outrage over the actions of the Trump administration. Some issues raised outside the two city courthouses include concerns over freedom of speech, the handling of the Epstein files, tariff policies, and political appointments.
“Well people are concerned about the people that he’s appointed as department heads like a lawyer in charge of healthcare, a wrestling executive in charge of education and they’ve gutted some of the organizations. Firing people. That sort of thing,” said Muskingum County resident Michael Nern at the Zanesville rally. Other people are concerned about how their Social Security might be affected when the Big Beautiful Bill actually kicks in after mid-term. Veterans benefits, veterans are upset, it just goes on and on. ”
Cambridge saw more than 130 protestors and Zanesville saw more than 320, some of which where counter protesting and making a case for President Donald Trump’s decisions.
“It’s been relatively civil. I’ve talked to a couple that’s had very strong opinions and I respect them for that and I would hope that they would respect me for that. Although I did not get that feeling. You know, I had a couple as I was talking with them just turn around and walk away. Which is, you know, the way some people do when they can’t really put up a valid response to a valid question,” said Muskingum County resident Dave Carroll at the Zanesville rally. “But other than that it’s been relatively civil and the kind of conversation I’d like to have between two people. Two people that disagree on things, you know, that can sit there and talk and have an intelligent conversation. That’s what I enjoy.”
With over 70 protests across the state of Ohio and 2,500 across the country, one thing that organizers have emphasized leading up the rallies were to keep it peaceful.
“There is such a sense in community. I think I was a little bit nervous since it was my first time at a protest. But the sense of just love and community and before we came out, the organizers told us absolutely no violence, absolutely no engaging in arguments. We are not here for that, which I stand by that. I support that,” said Guernsey County resident Kyra Gleckler at the Cambridge rally. I love my community and I support everyone and even if they don’t agree with my beliefs I just wanted everyone to do it in a peaceful way.”
