These are the remarks made by Charlie Snellman at the Indivisible Helena No Kings Rally on June 14, 2025 at Flag Plaza at the capitol in Helena.

Good morning everyone!

How are you feeling?!

My name is Charlie Snellman, and I am feeling great because I am a newly minted graduate of Helena Public Schools! Let’s give it up for public schools!

Public education is not just a system, it’s an institution at the core of our democracy. Informed people become engaged citizens, and engaged citizens run the country. History and government classes have never been more important as we find ourselves in this unprecedented time in America. 

Because never before has a President actually circumvented Congress to dismantle a whole federal department–the Department of Education–with an executive order. I say, “Mr. President, we have checks and balances for a reason! The American people make the choices around here, through our elected representatives.”

NO KINGS.

This drastic action does not just have implications for “normal” Americans—it disproportionately hits the most marginalized, the most vulnerable, and the most in need. The federal government mainly provides funding for special education programs, SNAP food benefits, and programs for homeless children. On the global stage, imagine what message this sends to other countries: America does not value education. Do you value education? (YES!) 

That’s what I thought.

The Trump Administration has attacked education in numerous ways, including, but not limited to revoking federal funding for medical research that saves lives, requiring government oversight in higher education, policing protests to find and deport students that disagree with his policies, and revoking the ability of colleges and universities to grant international study visas. For decades, even centuries, the United States has led the world in innovation—all thanks to the brilliance of our education institutions. Now? We are falling behind. 

If all that wasn’t enough, academic freedom and free speech is being attacked from every angle. Trump has required audits of courses and threatened to stop funding if universities don’t change their courses to fit his imagination of a “correct” education. He has already forced several top institutions to change what they teach. Not cool. 

Let me be clear: education should teach the truth, not propaganda. Academic freedom is not negotiable.

And what about the arts? Trump wants to control that too. 

After purging all the trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and replacing them with his own supporters (none of whom have the expertise to direct an artistic organization), Trump installed himself as Chair of the Kennedy Center Board, where he vows to control the arts. His goal is to install a “Golden Age for American Arts.” 

Trump’s idea of the arts doesn’t sound golden.

It sounds controlled, it sounds stifled.

It sounds like a warning.

Because let’s not forget, after becoming German Chancellor in 1933, Hitler and his ministry of education sought to control education and the arts in every way. Nazi ideology was infused into every aspect of social and private life in Germany. So I ask you: what’s different about the efforts of our President?

America’s top universities are global destinations for learning and innovation. In fact, Harvard for example, has almost 27% international students enrolled. In recent moves, Trump has tried to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. 

The result? Countries like those in the European Union are now creating incentives for American researchers to bring their work overseas.
The brain drain is already happening.
Without global talent and diverse collaboration, the U.S. will lose in every way that matters.

As a new high school graduate, I chose to attend Johns Hopkins University to study cutting edge medical techniques and engage in interdisciplinary studies in music and science. Now? I am horrified. Horrified that for the next 4 years, I will have decreased access to educational opportunities in college—all thanks to Mr. Trump, who is using millions of dollars for his own military parade today. 

I’m horrified that my access to education—my future—could be restricted by an authoritarian ego fixated on controlling every institution that makes this country great. What happened to limited government?

I’m not alone in my fears. Young people all across the country are looking for ways to continue their education without an impact from the federal government. Think about that. When has that ever been a worry for students in America? What happened to our beautiful tenets of free speech, free press, free assembly, freedom of religion?

Unfortunately, it has almost never been more difficult to be a young adult in America. College tuition soars above $90,000 in some places, with 70% of all undergraduate students needing loans to pay for their degree. Artificial intelligence makes it difficult to pursue academics with integrity and increases pressure on students to perform at astounding levels. How come we don’t hold our government to these same high standards? Citations in scientific papers? Integrity? Honesty? Nothing.

American youth around the country are rising up—I am not alone. My friends in other states have started nonprofits to educate people about the dangers of Trump’s policies, organized peaceful protests to resist indoctrination and censorship, speak out against authoritarianism, and stress the importance of a good education, separate from politics. 

But I will tell you what scares me the most—it is not just the policies. It is the polarization. It is the lack of public debate and public conversations. It is what the whole MAGA movement is looking for. They are happy with low voter turnout. They want us divided, distracted, defeated. Because when we stop talking with each other across the aisle, when we stop seeking truth—we lose. 

Division and complacency are the best tools for ruining resistance. Trump’s agenda is divisive, but we must be indivisible. We the People will not bow down to a king—we will rise up respectfully, peaceably, and together to educate others and resist the destruction of our beloved democracy. 

I’m joining my fellow graduates from the Class of 2025—and all of you who still believe in democracy—to just talk.

Yes, talk. It sounds small, maybe even insignificant. But conversation—real, respectful conversation—can spark change. Thousands of conversations? That’s a movement.

Talk to your representatives in Congress here in Montana and in D.C. Explain to them why these attacks on democracy are affecting you and our collective futures. Show them why they need to have spines and resist authoritarianism in the White House. 

Talk to your friends who may disagree or may not even know the extent of what is happening right now. Explain to them why these attacks on democracy are not isolated, and that they will have far-reaching and detrimental impacts on our way of life as Americans forever. Demonstrate your knowledge but be polite and compassionate.

Knowledge is power. We are knowledgeable, and by extension, powerful. Spread the power through our knowledge.

Be good examples. Talk to people. Stay inquisitive. Remain critical. And above all, please, please, just VOTE!

We the People will not bow to a king- we vote them out of office.