Representative Lipper-Garabedian Speaks at “No Kings Day” Rally in the City of Melrose
On June 14, 2025, State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian spoke at the “No Kings Day” rally in the City of Melrose. The Melrose/Wakefield chapter of Indivisible Mass Coalition organized this event as part of a day of planned protests nationwide against various policies of the Trump administration. Representative Lipper-Garabedian gave the following speech at the Gazebo at Ell Pond after participants gathered at Melrose City Hall and marched toward the Gazebo:
Good afternoon; I join you today united in defiance against the escalating assaults on our democracy.
This year, I have heard from many constituents anguished and enraged by the reckless and dangerous actions of the federal administration. I share your alarm. We are witnessing attacks on our democratic institutions, a systematic dismantling of checks and balances, brazen power grabs, shameless violations of First Amendment rights, and the dehumanization of our family members, our neighbors, our classmates, our coworkers. The level of incompetence, corruption, and cruelty coming out of the federal administration is astounding. A regime aiming to consolidate power at any cost.
And let's be clear: As we have heard today, the daily onslaught is not impacting all of us equally. Our LGBTQ+ and immigrant neighbors are under attack—targeted with violence, stripped of protections, and used as political scapegoats. Our black and brown friends and the differently abled and neuro-diverse are devalued. Trump’s inhumane and illegal gutting of federal programs is imperiling the lives of those who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation.
Today, on the West Coast, the Trump regime is deploying our military forces against citizens and civilians, deliberately instigating division and hatred. On the East Coast, he is presiding over a military parade, an ostentatious spectacle that evokes authoritarian imagery. It’s one thing if the spectacle is matched by support. But while Trump will oversee a $40 million event on his birthday, he’s gutted funds for homeless veterans, funds for VA services, and funds for mental health supports for our servicemembers. There is no show of support, and the bluster and bravado of Trump is not strength. To the men and women who have protected our freedoms and democracy, we thank you. Your service is the true strength.
We all have a role to play in defending our democracy. Each of us must do our part. Lean in on the issue areas where you have particular passion or expertise, voice your opposition, support organizations leading the charge in the fight for civil rights and civil liberties.
Here in Massachusetts, we are standing firm in supporting democracy, and we are serving as a model to others. We are showing the nation what it looks like to celebrate diversity, what it looks like to respect science, and what it looks like to strive for economic dignity. And in your state legislature, we’re showing it happens more often than not in a bipartisan way.
The Commonwealth is the birthplace of our great experiment in democracy. Our state constitution and state statutes reflect this sacred legacy. And your Massachusetts Legislature is continuing to take action where the federal government is dismantling rights and protections and the rule of law. We have passed landmark legislation in just the last year – to honor all families through the Parentage Act; to combat racial disparities with our comprehensive maternal health law; to protect patients and providers of abortion and gender-affirming care. We recognize the value of supporting public education and public libraries, the imperative to make investments to address our climate crisis, the right to reproductive health care, and the dignity of our immigrant neighbors and friends. Working for and with you, our legislature will do our part to ensure the Commonwealth continues to serve as a beacon of hope.
Today’s rallies across the country are a testament to our communal strength as we fight for our rights. Trump stands only for himself, one at the cost of many. But we here today know that we are connected as Americans in a country founded on the ideal of e pluribus unum, out of many, one. Thank you for your advocacy and determination. I am proud to strive forward with you, doing our part to uphold this great democratic nation.
###