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NILES — More than distance separated people attending two rallies in Niles Saturday afternoon. 

While those attending the “No Kings” rally downtown protested President Donald Trump’s policies and actions, those at Donovan Smith Veterans Memorial Park at 11th and Main were celebrating both Trump’s achievements and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

As many as 500 people crowded the intersections of Second and Main and Front and Main Streets. In contrast, just a couple of dozen people attended the pro-Trump rally at 11th and Main Streets. Both groups have been holding twice monthly rallies at Second and Main on the first and third Mondays of the month.

The “No Kings” rally was one of hundreds held across the country Saturday. Many held signs decrying what they see as autocratic and dictator-like rule by the Trump administration with a smaller number holding signs related to immigration and other concerns.

In contrast, those at the pro-Trump rally were holding Trump/Vance and other patriotic signs.

Southwest Michigan Women for Trump Southwest Michigan President Brenda Beadenkopf said the whole premise of “No Kings Day” was ludicrous.

“It’s ludicrous that President Trump is trying to set himself up as a king,” she said. “He’s trying to do the opposite, he wants to take the power away from the bloated government and give it back to the people.”

Despite their smaller numbers, Beadenkopf said she thinks a lot of people agree with them. 

“I think a lot of people are on our side,” she said. “They’re still trying to gaslight us that the American people hate President Trump when he’s trying to save the people.”

“No Kings Day” and Coalition 4 Democracy organizer Angela Jones said she put out the call for Saturday’s rally and had 200 new people sign up for the rally in addition to the 200 or so she already had on her mailing list.

“I knew it was going to be the largest crowd to date,” she said. “… Most of the people are from Niles, but we also have Cass County people and those from smaller communities. There are communities without protests planned and we give them space.”

“Our main concern is that there has been a lot of rhetoric that sounds authoritarian along with government overreach,” she said. “There is a lot of ‘what ifs’ with the talk about cuts to veterans benefits, Medicaid and SNAP. The largest chunk of the budget goes to Medicaid and SNAP.”

While she acknowledged that there are instances of fraud in both programs and people getting benefits who could be working, there are also a lot of children, senior citizens and people who are between jobs who depend on those programs.

When asked why people are protesting now rather than when conditions were bad during the last administration, Jones said people were complacent and allowed things to happen. She called Trump’s election last November the “catalyst” and the straw that broke people’s back.

She began the protests in February out of concerns she had over the Project 2025 agenda promoted by some conservative groups that she believes will restrict people’s freedoms and rights.

She took issue with those who say that the “No Kings Day” and other protests are manufactured and not authentic. 

“Our effort is entirely 100 percent volunteer driven,” she said. “It’s grassroots and it’s something people are passionate about. I can’t speak for others, but there’s no dark money involved in our effort.”

People at both rallies didn’t have many answers as to how the political divide in the country can be bridged. They did agree on some issues: the need to uphold the Constitution and the importance of honoring the military and those who have served.

Jones said she personally tries to avoid any negativity or hatred toward the president. 

“I try to focus on the policies and not just Trump,” she said. “I try to show understanding and compassion when I get into conversations with Trump supporters.”

Pro-Trump rally organizer Carla Johnson said she started the counterprotests to support the president and talk about the good things he’s trying to accomplish including stopping illegal immigration and human smuggling.

The goal Saturday was to honor the Army. She held a handmade sign honoring her cousin, James Robert Fagras, who died in battle in December, 1944 during World War II while serving in the army.

“Just coming together to celebrate the Army would be a start,” she said. “The reason we have a country where we can express our views is because of the Army. You can’t hate the Army even if you hate the president.”

“It cannot be about emotion, I’m trying to bring people together,” she added. “People need to stop taking information from just one source or listen to just one pundit. Everything needs to be verified.”