Protesters dressed up in inflatable gear and took to a downtown corner Saturday to join in on the third nationwide “No Kings” demonstration. [Photos by Susan DeVilder]

KEWANEE — About 130 people gathered at the corner of Main and Second streets on Saturday for Kewanee’s third “No Kings” demonstration, joining what organizers say was the “largest single-day nationwide protest in U.S. history.” Eight million people reportedly protested in approximately 3,100 communities across the United States.

Protesters framed the event as a warning against unchecked presidential power, while critics questioned the premise of protesting a monarchy in a country that has none.

Opponents of the No Kings movement have argued that the slogan “No Kings” makes little sense because the United States does not have a king. But demonstrators said the phrase is an analogy and one they believe fits the moment.

“Trump certainly is posing as a king,” said Betty Murphy, chair of the Henry County Democrats, who attended the Kewanee demonstration. “He may not be anointed, but he’s definitely kinglike, and Congress doesn’t seem to matter.”

Murphy pointed to what she described as kingly behavior: placing his likeness and name on money, initiating military action without congressional approval and building lavish facilities while Americans struggle with basic needs. She also cited his decision to add his name to the Kennedy Center and plans for a new arch in Washington as examples of “building monuments to himself.”

Illinois Republicans have countered with images of Gov. JB Pritzker wearing a crown, suggesting the analogy cuts both ways. Murphy dismissed the comparison as political deflection.

“Pritzker is not doing the things that Trump is doing,” she said. “I can think of only a few governors who have dared to stand up to Trump.”

Saturday’s demonstration differed from earlier No Kings rallies in Kewanee, with participants this time chanting about the military conflict with Iran. Murphy said the war was a key reason protesters believe the analogy resonates.

“Trump is defying the legislature, and it’s no longer functioning,” she said. “He continues to defy the judiciary.”

Murphy also traveled to Geneseo on Saturday, where a separate “No Kings” demonstration was held.

Jeanette Gibson, one of the organizers of the “Vigil for a Tattered America,” said her group also staged a protest Saturday that was scheduled in Kewanee before the No Kings protest was planned.

Gibson said she won’t argue with critics who point out that the United States has no monarch. “It’s pointless,” she said. “But Trump has referred to himself as both a king and a dictator,” citing the Iran conflict as “a war of choice, not of necessity.”

“Even England wouldn’t pull a stunt like that,” she said, referring to a country that does have a king.

Gibson also rejected comparisons between Trump and Pritzker.

“The governor hasn’t done anything outside of his authority, and they don’t like that he’s an outspoken critic of Trump,” she said.

Tamera Stoner, another organizer with the “Vigil for a Tattered America,” announced that “sit‑ins for peace” will begin Saturday, April 25, at the same Main and Second streets corner. The gatherings will run from noon to 2 p.m., and the public is invited. Future sit-ins will be announced.