Dear John,

It’s a tale of two Americas. This past weekend, two competing visions of political power played out across the United States – and the contrast couldn’t have been clearer.

On one side: Donald Trump’s military parade. A multi-million dollar spectacle, stage-managed and sparsely attended. Sponsored by some of Trump’s biggest corporate donors, it was reportedly summed up by one attendee as “just kind of… lame.” An increasingly unpopular, autocratic leader forcing himself into the spotlight on his birthday.

On the other: millions of No Kings protesters taking to the streets of every major US city. Grassroots, diverse, and united across political lines, these demonstrations stood up for the most basic democratic rights – due process, accountable leadership, and the right to protest without being met by military force.

One was a hollow – and somewhat desperate – display of military might. The other showed people power in action.

Los Angeles, California

Washington, DC

As Trump’s autocratic push continues to escalate, we should remain vigilant about Farage’s Trump-aligned movement here in the UK as well.

On Sunday, Trump ordered armed federal agents to escalate deportation raids in Democratic cities – a chilling move that sent a clear message to those who dared to resist, and looks likely to catalyse more violence between the state and civilians.

Nigel Farage has already pledged to deport “all illegal immigrants” within five years. No one’s explained how. But if history – or Farage’s links with the Trump administration – are any guide, it will also mean armed police, fast-track removals, and the criminalisation of dissent.


This is exactly why defending the right to protest is a core strategic priority for us at Open Britain. The right to assembly one of the few tools people have left when all other routes are blocked.

When governments refuse to listen, when policies are rushed through without scrutiny, and when marginalised groups are under attack, protest is how ordinary people make themselves heard.

The right to protest is the canary in the coal mine. When it’s threatened, it means deeper democratic breakdown is already underway.

We’re proud to stand on the right side of history with the protestors exercising their rights, including those who came out here in the UK.

We’ll be working closely with our friends and allies at the Stop Trump Coalition in the coming months to defend the right to protest, push back against rising authoritarianism, and stand up for a democracy that belongs to all of us – not just the powerful few.

All the best,

The Open Britain Team
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