Famous faces take to streets as No Kings protests attract thousands across US
The mass "No Kings" demonstrations held across the US to protest US President Donald Trump and his military parade attracted some very famous faces.
Over 2000 protests took place in 50 different US states to rail against "authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarisation of our democracy" under Trump, according to organisers.
Marchers took to the streets at the same time a military parade rolled through Washington, DC, to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army, which also happened to be Trump's 79th birthday.
Among those who joined the protest in Los Angeles was talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
Kimmel took to Instagram to praise the "peaceful" demonstration he attended in South Bay, a south-west region of LA.
"A huge, inspiring and yes – peaceful – turnout in the South Bay. I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good," Kimmel, who wore a "Make America Good Again!" shirt, posted on Instagram.
"I am grateful to see so many Americans take action to stand up for our friends and neighbours, most of all, my parents.
"I know how fortunate I am to have been born into a family that taught me to care about others and that the most important words ever spoken are "Love one another." It really is as simple as that."
Kung Fu Panda star Jack Black was also spotted by protesters walking down the street during another No Kings march in Los Angeles.
It remains unclear if Black was joining the protest or happened to be walking past at the same time.
Footage shared on TikTok shows the actor crossing the road and being accosted by fans.
Over on the east coast, A-listers Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon were seen joining protests in New York City.
Several other celebrities took to Instagram to share images of themselves holding signs, including Anna Kendrick, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Marisa Tomei and Kerry Washington.
Seinfeld star Louis-Dreyfus held a sign which read: "The only monarch I like is a butterfly."
Tensions boil at 'No Kings' protests
Demonstrators poured onto streets and parks to decry the Republican president as a dictator or would-be king, overshadowing celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the US Army – and what is also Trump's birthday.
Huge, boisterous crowds marched in New York, Denver, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles, some behind "no kings" banners.
Atlanta's 5000-capacity event quickly reached its limit, with thousands more gathered outside barriers to hear speakers in front of the state Capitol.
In Washington, anti-war protesters unfurled signs that said "Homes not drones" not far from a display of armoured vehicles, helicopters and military-grade equipment on the National Mall set up to commemorate the Army's birthday.
In some places, organisers handed out little American flags while others flew their flags upside down, a sign of distress. Mexican flags, which have become a fixture of the Los Angeles protests against immigration raids, also made an appearance at some demonstrations on Saturday.
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The Advertiser
19 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Iran urges US to make Israel halt war as TV studio hit
Iran has called on US President Donald Trump to force Israel to cease fire as the only way to end the four-day-old aerial war while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is on the "path to victory" and an Israeli strike hit an Iranian television studio. Israeli forces stepped up their bombardment of Iranian cities while Iran proved capable of piercing Israeli air defences with one of its most successful volleys yet of retaliatory missile strikes. "If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue. It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy." Sources told Reuters that Iran had asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, said the two Iranian and three regional sources. Netanyahu told Israeli troops at an air base that Israel was on its way to achieving its two main aims: wiping out Iran's nuclear program and destroying its missiles. "We are on the path to victory," he said. "We are telling the citizens of Tehran: 'Evacuate' - and we are taking action." Israel launched its air war on Friday with a surprise attack that killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It has said it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate its campaign in coming days. An Iranian state television reporter had to stop a live broadcast on Monday when an explosion occurred an hour after Israel issued a warning to leave a part of Tehran where the TV studios are located. Presenter Sahar Emami of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network rushed off-camera as the screen behind her cut out, and people were heard saying "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for God is great. The broadcast quickly switched to pre-recorded programs. Soon, Emami came back live from another studio and was seen speaking with another anchor. She said that "bodies of reporters" were at the site of the initial broadcast, and images showed smoke and flames in the sky. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack. "The Iranian regime's propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of the area's residents," Katz said in a statement. "We will strike the Iranian dictator everywhere." Iran's retaliation is the first time in decades of shadow war and proxy conflict that missiles fired from Iran have pierced Israeli defences in significant numbers and killed Israelis in their homes. Iran says more than 224 Iranians have been killed, most of them civilians. Media published images of wounded children, women and the elderly from cities across the country. State TV broadcast scenes of collapsed presidential buildings, burned-out cars, and shattered streets in Tehran. Many residents were trying to flee the capital, describing queues for petrol and bank machines that were out of cash. "I am desperate. My two children are scared and cannot sleep at night because of the sound of air defence and attacks, explosions. But we have nowhere to go. We hid under our dining table," Gholamreza Mohammadi, 48, a civil servant, told Reuters by phone from Tehran. In Israel, 24 people have been killed so far in Iran's missile attacks, all of them civilians. "It's terrifying because it's so unknown," said Guydo Tetelbaum, 31, a chef in Tel Aviv who was in his apartment when the alerts came in shortly after 4am. with AP Iran has called on US President Donald Trump to force Israel to cease fire as the only way to end the four-day-old aerial war while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is on the "path to victory" and an Israeli strike hit an Iranian television studio. Israeli forces stepped up their bombardment of Iranian cities while Iran proved capable of piercing Israeli air defences with one of its most successful volleys yet of retaliatory missile strikes. "If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue. It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy." Sources told Reuters that Iran had asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, said the two Iranian and three regional sources. Netanyahu told Israeli troops at an air base that Israel was on its way to achieving its two main aims: wiping out Iran's nuclear program and destroying its missiles. "We are on the path to victory," he said. "We are telling the citizens of Tehran: 'Evacuate' - and we are taking action." Israel launched its air war on Friday with a surprise attack that killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It has said it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate its campaign in coming days. An Iranian state television reporter had to stop a live broadcast on Monday when an explosion occurred an hour after Israel issued a warning to leave a part of Tehran where the TV studios are located. Presenter Sahar Emami of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network rushed off-camera as the screen behind her cut out, and people were heard saying "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for God is great. The broadcast quickly switched to pre-recorded programs. Soon, Emami came back live from another studio and was seen speaking with another anchor. She said that "bodies of reporters" were at the site of the initial broadcast, and images showed smoke and flames in the sky. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack. "The Iranian regime's propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of the area's residents," Katz said in a statement. "We will strike the Iranian dictator everywhere." Iran's retaliation is the first time in decades of shadow war and proxy conflict that missiles fired from Iran have pierced Israeli defences in significant numbers and killed Israelis in their homes. Iran says more than 224 Iranians have been killed, most of them civilians. Media published images of wounded children, women and the elderly from cities across the country. State TV broadcast scenes of collapsed presidential buildings, burned-out cars, and shattered streets in Tehran. Many residents were trying to flee the capital, describing queues for petrol and bank machines that were out of cash. "I am desperate. My two children are scared and cannot sleep at night because of the sound of air defence and attacks, explosions. But we have nowhere to go. We hid under our dining table," Gholamreza Mohammadi, 48, a civil servant, told Reuters by phone from Tehran. In Israel, 24 people have been killed so far in Iran's missile attacks, all of them civilians. "It's terrifying because it's so unknown," said Guydo Tetelbaum, 31, a chef in Tel Aviv who was in his apartment when the alerts came in shortly after 4am. with AP Iran has called on US President Donald Trump to force Israel to cease fire as the only way to end the four-day-old aerial war while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is on the "path to victory" and an Israeli strike hit an Iranian television studio. Israeli forces stepped up their bombardment of Iranian cities while Iran proved capable of piercing Israeli air defences with one of its most successful volleys yet of retaliatory missile strikes. "If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue. It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy." Sources told Reuters that Iran had asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, said the two Iranian and three regional sources. Netanyahu told Israeli troops at an air base that Israel was on its way to achieving its two main aims: wiping out Iran's nuclear program and destroying its missiles. "We are on the path to victory," he said. "We are telling the citizens of Tehran: 'Evacuate' - and we are taking action." Israel launched its air war on Friday with a surprise attack that killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It has said it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate its campaign in coming days. An Iranian state television reporter had to stop a live broadcast on Monday when an explosion occurred an hour after Israel issued a warning to leave a part of Tehran where the TV studios are located. Presenter Sahar Emami of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network rushed off-camera as the screen behind her cut out, and people were heard saying "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for God is great. The broadcast quickly switched to pre-recorded programs. Soon, Emami came back live from another studio and was seen speaking with another anchor. She said that "bodies of reporters" were at the site of the initial broadcast, and images showed smoke and flames in the sky. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack. "The Iranian regime's propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of the area's residents," Katz said in a statement. "We will strike the Iranian dictator everywhere." Iran's retaliation is the first time in decades of shadow war and proxy conflict that missiles fired from Iran have pierced Israeli defences in significant numbers and killed Israelis in their homes. Iran says more than 224 Iranians have been killed, most of them civilians. Media published images of wounded children, women and the elderly from cities across the country. State TV broadcast scenes of collapsed presidential buildings, burned-out cars, and shattered streets in Tehran. Many residents were trying to flee the capital, describing queues for petrol and bank machines that were out of cash. "I am desperate. My two children are scared and cannot sleep at night because of the sound of air defence and attacks, explosions. But we have nowhere to go. We hid under our dining table," Gholamreza Mohammadi, 48, a civil servant, told Reuters by phone from Tehran. In Israel, 24 people have been killed so far in Iran's missile attacks, all of them civilians. "It's terrifying because it's so unknown," said Guydo Tetelbaum, 31, a chef in Tel Aviv who was in his apartment when the alerts came in shortly after 4am. with AP Iran has called on US President Donald Trump to force Israel to cease fire as the only way to end the four-day-old aerial war while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is on the "path to victory" and an Israeli strike hit an Iranian television studio. Israeli forces stepped up their bombardment of Iranian cities while Iran proved capable of piercing Israeli air defences with one of its most successful volleys yet of retaliatory missile strikes. "If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue. It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy." Sources told Reuters that Iran had asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, said the two Iranian and three regional sources. Netanyahu told Israeli troops at an air base that Israel was on its way to achieving its two main aims: wiping out Iran's nuclear program and destroying its missiles. "We are on the path to victory," he said. "We are telling the citizens of Tehran: 'Evacuate' - and we are taking action." Israel launched its air war on Friday with a surprise attack that killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It has said it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate its campaign in coming days. An Iranian state television reporter had to stop a live broadcast on Monday when an explosion occurred an hour after Israel issued a warning to leave a part of Tehran where the TV studios are located. Presenter Sahar Emami of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network rushed off-camera as the screen behind her cut out, and people were heard saying "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for God is great. The broadcast quickly switched to pre-recorded programs. Soon, Emami came back live from another studio and was seen speaking with another anchor. She said that "bodies of reporters" were at the site of the initial broadcast, and images showed smoke and flames in the sky. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack. "The Iranian regime's propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of the area's residents," Katz said in a statement. "We will strike the Iranian dictator everywhere." Iran's retaliation is the first time in decades of shadow war and proxy conflict that missiles fired from Iran have pierced Israeli defences in significant numbers and killed Israelis in their homes. Iran says more than 224 Iranians have been killed, most of them civilians. Media published images of wounded children, women and the elderly from cities across the country. State TV broadcast scenes of collapsed presidential buildings, burned-out cars, and shattered streets in Tehran. Many residents were trying to flee the capital, describing queues for petrol and bank machines that were out of cash. "I am desperate. My two children are scared and cannot sleep at night because of the sound of air defence and attacks, explosions. But we have nowhere to go. We hid under our dining table," Gholamreza Mohammadi, 48, a civil servant, told Reuters by phone from Tehran. In Israel, 24 people have been killed so far in Iran's missile attacks, all of them civilians. "It's terrifying because it's so unknown," said Guydo Tetelbaum, 31, a chef in Tel Aviv who was in his apartment when the alerts came in shortly after 4am. with AP
Sydney Morning Herald
30 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Trump's Russian delusion is complete. He sees Putin as a peacemaker
We know that Donald Trump has long had a soft spot for Vladimir Putin. But now it's almost as if he's given him a spot in his administration. The US president has said that Russia's Putin on the weekend had phoned to offer himself as a new peace mediator in the war between Israel and Iran: 'We had a long talk about it,' Trump told the American news network ABC. 'I would be open to it. He [Putin] is ready.' Trump himself has proved unable to negotiate an end to any of the conflicts he'd promised to resolve. So perhaps it's a good idea to let Putin try? French President Emmanuel Macron doesn't think so. 'I do not think that Russia, which is today engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to respect the United Nations charter for several years now, could be in any way a mediator,' he said. Fair point. And Putin has a favourite in the fight. Moscow is the most important foreign sponsor of Iran's ayatollah regime. Appointing Putin mediator would be like allowing a football team's coach to referee his own team's match. Russia has supplied Iran with air defence systems and weapons for many years. Iran has returned the favour by giving Russia thousands of drones for its war against Ukraine and even built a drone factory in Russia for Putin. Loading 'Putin has a keen interest in perpetuating the Iranian regime,' points out Peter Tesch, former Australian ambassador to Moscow. So, by attacking Iran now, 'Israel is posing a serious challenge to Russia's strategic interest in the country with which Russia recently signed a 20-year strategic agreement'.
The Age
34 minutes ago
- The Age
Trump's Russian delusion is complete. He sees Putin as a peacemaker
We know that Donald Trump has long had a soft spot for Vladimir Putin. But now it's almost as if he's given him a spot in his administration. The US president has said that Russia's Putin on the weekend had phoned to offer himself as a new peace mediator in the war between Israel and Iran: 'We had a long talk about it,' Trump told the American news network ABC. 'I would be open to it. He [Putin] is ready.' Trump himself has proved unable to negotiate an end to any of the conflicts he'd promised to resolve. So perhaps it's a good idea to let Putin try? French President Emmanuel Macron doesn't think so. 'I do not think that Russia, which is today engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to respect the United Nations charter for several years now, could be in any way a mediator,' he said. Fair point. And Putin has a favourite in the fight. Moscow is the most important foreign sponsor of Iran's ayatollah regime. Appointing Putin mediator would be like allowing a football team's coach to referee his own team's match. Russia has supplied Iran with air defence systems and weapons for many years. Iran has returned the favour by giving Russia thousands of drones for its war against Ukraine and even built a drone factory in Russia for Putin. Loading 'Putin has a keen interest in perpetuating the Iranian regime,' points out Peter Tesch, former Australian ambassador to Moscow. So, by attacking Iran now, 'Israel is posing a serious challenge to Russia's strategic interest in the country with which Russia recently signed a 20-year strategic agreement'.
