3 weeks Ago
Katie M., an American living in Leiden who was one of the organizers of the protest, said she hoped the numbers in Amsterdam and elsewhere were a sign of international solidarity with those protesting in the United States. The protest was supported by organizations like Democrats Abroad Netherlands, Women's March and People for Democracy.
Protesters Speak Out Against Authoritarianism and Immigration Raids
Protesters bore signs emblazoned with slogans like "Liberty and justice for all," "America has a president, not a king" and "Deport hate, not our neighbor." A protester held a sign that said "Keep King's Day Dutch — America does not want a monarchy," in one of several demonstrations this week outside of the consulate. Even a dog at the event was decked out in a U.S. flag bandana and a sign around her neck saying "No treats for tyrants."
The protest was one of more than 1,600 staged around the world, many timed to undercut the military parade in Washington. While the parade was formally organized to mark the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, opponents argued that it was held as much to celebrate Trump's birthday and authoritarian impulses.
The urgency of the protests was underscored by the California National Guard being called out on Monday to Ops to help ICE with immigration sweep operations in Los Angeles. More than 40 people were arrested in a single day, at locations including a Home Depot and a school graduation ceremony. Katie M. called the move unconstitutional and un-American and said it showed that authorities were terrorizing immigrant communities and infringing on state sovereignty.
Protesters Point to Decreasing U.S. Image in the Netherlands
Los Angeles police said they made at least 400 related arrests this week, the majority for violating a curfew. Some were accused of more serious cases like attacking officers and possessing or carrying Molotov cocktails.
Katie M. also said she was angry over the estimated $25-45 million cost of a DC parade, and that it smacked of hypocrisy at a time when budgets cuts are impacting vital services. "The hypocricy is real, particularly when the country has enormous problems to solve," she said.
U.S. favorability is down sharply among Dutch, from 48 percent in 2024 to only 29 percent in 2025, recent data shows. Trust in President Trump has decreased, with only 43% of the far-right PVV party's supporters giving the U.S. leader a thumbs-up for his world leadership.
In a statement, an organization called People for Democracy said, "We've witnessed them trample on free speech, imprison people for their political beliefs, and ignore the courts—all while lining the pockets of their billionaire cronies. In America, we have no time for would-be kings."
