More than 500 people lined Main Street in Gardiner on Saturday, June 14, to participate in “No Kings Day,” part of a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump’s administration.

Beginning at 11 a.m., demonstrators filled the sidewalks, waving American flags, shouting slogans, and holding signs denouncing Trump for what they said was authoritarian behavior and a lack of respect for the Constitution and democratic institutions. Supporters in vehicles honked and waved flags as they passed.

“There are so many reasons why I’m here,” said Sydney Palinkas, who traveled from Maryland to protest in her hometown. “[Trump is] not following the Constitution at the very basic level. I feel like if one of us isn’t safe — whether it’s an immigrant or not — none of us are safe. If we’re not following due process for one person, it doesn’t matter for any of us.”

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger addressed the crowd, criticizing Trump for cuts to federal programs such as Medicaid, the use of tariffs, and the House’s proposed budget bill. She also condemned what she called corruption in his administration and the deployment of military forces to respond to protests in Los Angeles.

“No one can stay on the sidelines while our federal government is being dismantled, while our safety net is being destroyed, and while our Constitution is being trampled on,” Metzger said. “Ulster County will continue to stand for what is right. We are a county that believes in common decency, that protects free speech, and that defends the rights and dignity of every single individual. We will have no part in anyone’s authoritarian agenda — and that’s not going to change.”

Gardiner Town Board Member Michael Hartner also attended.

“It’s great that we have so many people coming out,” Hartner said. “It’s delightful to see so many people stepping up to talk about what’s going on in the country.”

Ulster County Legislator Debra Clinton, who represents District 16, which includes Gardiner, echoed that message.

“It’s absolutely imperative that everybody does their part and stands up and speaks out to preserve the integrity of what our country is founded on — the Constitution,” Clinton said. “We are seeing our rights being very quickly eroded, and if we don’t speak out, there may be no rights left for us.”

In addition to Gardiner, “No Kings Day” protests were held in nearby communities such as New Paltz and Kingston. Nationwide, more than 5 million people reportedly took part, with rallies held in both small towns and major cities including Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

According to the organizers — progressive activist groups Indivisible and 50501 — the protest marked the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history.

The event was held on Flag Day, which also coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers said the date was chosen to publicly challenge the president’s administration and to draw attention away from a military parade hosted in Washington, D.C., that day.

“The citizens are the highest office in a democracy,” Metzger said. “We have to be out here speaking and standing strong for our Constitution. That’s why we are here. We are here to defend our Constitution and defend our democracy.”